Local Man Receives Permanent Restraining Order for Allegedly Threatening City Employee

Robert Brians received a restraining order last week for  after Simmons took pictures of his neighbor's backyard as part of a code compliance investigation.

Brians said he was angry with Simmons for taking the pictures but made no such threats.

The permanent restraining order was issued Dec. 5 by Judge Richard Monroy after Brians failed to appear in court. Temporary restraining orders were filed in July, August and September, said Karen Dalton with the San Diego Superior Court Public Affairs Office.

The first restraining order was issued almost a week after the incident when Brians was arrested and held on $25,000 bail by sheriff deputies on his way to work.

The restraining orders require he stay 100 yards from Simmons home and City Hall, his place of work, with the exception of being allowed to attend City Council meetings.

Brians spoke in the public comment period of a council meeting Aug. 17.

A restraining order said Brians was subject to search without cause at city meetings, and so sheriff deputies pat him down for weapons before entering council chambers.

"I have teenage daughters and so do many of my neighbors," Brians said. "I don't know how you would feel if people were taking pictures in your backyards of your kids, but we don't appreciate it."

A trial to argue the felony charge of threatening a city employee is scheduled to begin next month, Brians said.