Bodybuilders Bradley Leslie Humble and Aaron Rhys Hart accused of plot to cut off man’s tongue and hands

A champion powerlifter and fellow bodybuilder are accused of disguising themselves as police officers in an attempt to enter a man’s home and cut off his tongue and hands in exchange for a $25,000 reward. Bradley Leslie Humble and Aaron Rhys Hart allegedly agreed to carry out the bizarre plot after an unnamed associate offered them cash earlier in 2022 — and only stopped when the would-be victim did not let them into his house. The Bunbury pair have been charged with conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm, impersonating and attending as a public officer and aggravated home burglary with intent. It is alleged that Mr Humble, who is the owner and founder of Dungeon Powerlifting in Bunbury, was contacted on September 9 by an unnamed associate who offered him $25,000 to go to the Canning Vale man’s home dressed as police officers and cut off his hands and tongue. Mr Humble allegedly enlisted the help of co-accused Aaron Rhys Hart in carrying out the plot, promising him a share of the $25,000. Mr Humble is accused of obtaining a PDF document of a WA Police search warrant and editing it to use to gain entry to the man’s home. He also got hold of dress pants, shirts and shoes, along with notebooks that featured the WA Police insignia and a hatchet. Mr Humble and Mr Hart then hired a silver Toyota Camry and travelled to Perth, where they went to a Bunnings store in Forrestfield and allegedly stole the numberplates from a parked vehicle to switch with the hire car and cover their tracks. They also bought a number of items including cable ties and duct tape. After arriving at the victim’s home, Mr Humble and Mr Hart told the victim they were detectives from the firearms squad and were going to a conduct a search of the property for firearms in relation to a restraining order. They warned the victim that he would be arrested if they were not let in. When the victim challenged the men’s police credentials and contacted a friend, Mr Humble and Mr Hart left the property, telling the man that police were on their way to arrest him. Mr Humble was arrested several days later in Bunbury. He allegedly admitted to the crime in a police interview. Mr Humble is listed as an active powerlifter, with his most recent results including a first place finish in State competition in April 2022. He has a large social media presence that includes videos of him giving tips to up-and-coming bodybuilders, as well as stellar reviews and a five-star rating about his training on his Dungeon Powerlifting Facebook page. “Best place to train! And if you’re keen to try powerlifting, Mr Brad Humble is your man!” one review reads. “He is extremely knowledgeable about this amazing sport and so much more. He is also a really awesome person to have a chat to! “I love going there.” During a Bunbury Magistrates Court appearance on Friday, prosecutor Sen. Const. Renai Gildersleeve said police “strongly opposed” bail for Mr Humble. Defence counsel Rhonda Parks submitted that Mr Humble was not a danger to the community given that no acts of violence actually took place. A letter from Mr Humble’s family was also submitted to the court, stating that he needed bail to enable him to continue looking after his young daughter. Magistrate Benjamin Tyers said that Mr Humble “on his own admission embarked on this venture” while still caring for his child. “We’ve got this elaborate and thought-out plan to go out and cause significant injury to someone,” Mr Tyers said. “It’s an extraordinary thing to agree to.” The case was adjourned in order for the court to obtain a home detention report. Mr Humble was remanded in custody to appear again in October. Mr Hart made his first court appearance in relation to his alleged involvement at an earlier date. His case was adjourned so he could get legal advice. He did not make an application for bail.