Who is John Ibrahim’s fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance – after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

As I delve into Budge’s story, my heart swells with empathy for the journey she has traversed. Her life, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to weather the storms of life. The loss of her mother, after a courageous battle against cancer, must have been devastating. Yet, in the face of such tragedy, Budge found solace and strength in the love and support of Ibrahim, who stood by her side during her mother’s funeral.


This week, it became known that Sydney businessman John Ibrahim was the intended victim of a reported assassination attempt near his mansion in the eastern suburbs.

On Thursday, when a court secrecy order was lifted, it was revealed that the man known for his Kings Cross identity and wealth accumulated from nightclubs was the intended victim of the July 25 attempted assassination, near his Dover Heights mansion.

Two individuals, Yousif Zrayka and Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, were apprehended in the vicinity after an altercation with law enforcement officers. It is said that they had pointed a gun loaded with ammunition at a person they mistakenly believed to be Ibrahim, which led to their arrest. They currently face charges for plotting murder and violations related to firearm usage.

For over three decades, Ibrahim, aged 54, a person not involved in any misconduct, has resided in a lavish cliffside villa on an elite waterfront road.

In this spacious house that he purchased for $1.2 million back in 1997, it is assumed that Sarah Budge, his long-term partner, their two-year-old son Elvis, and Ibrahim reside together.

In 2013, the couple’s paths crossed for the first time when John purchased a building in Potts Point that housed her restaurant, Crane Bar. Unfortunately, this establishment had to close due to the pandemic.

But things have not always been rosy between the couple.  

Not much time passed before they began dating, and later, Budge, aged 34, disclosed intricate details about their volatile relationship and unconventional living setup in a past legal proceeding.

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

At the trial for Budge’s gun ownership in 2019, Ibrahim’s companion stated that their relationship was marked by highs and lows. She also asserted that she was kept from living with him due to his preference for maintaining privacy.

For several years prior, Budge resided individually in a flat located in the inner-west district of Sydney, specifically in Leichhardt. It is speculated that they moved in together only recently, around the year 2021, when she was carrying their first baby.

Although Budge frequently shared pictures of Ibrahim’s grand mansion balcony views, it was revealed during the hearing at the NSW District Court that Budge had not been allowed to reside within the property.

During the 2019 trial, she mentioned that he tends to stick to familiar routines and values his personal freedom and solitude.

The court also heard Ibrahim had only been to Budge’s apartment twice during their six-year relationship and on one occasion, allegedly told her she got ‘the small, s***ty room’.

Their bombshell private text messages were also read out during the trial and detailed how Budge had allegedly complained Ibrahim wasn’t making time for her.

On the 16th of July, 2017, Budge requested that ‘Sexy John’, whom she kept saved in her phone, give her a call. According to The Daily Telegraph, this was because she wanted to feel connected with him.

A few short days later, on July 21st, it is said that Budge sent a text message to Ibrahim, expressing frustration because he hadn’t put in any effort to meet her, leaving her in tears instead.

She expressed: ‘Since you’re leaving soon and I have work commitments, I won’t get a chance to spend time with you before you go. As you need me to work during the week, I’m only available on weekends… It seems unlikely that we’ll meet unless you begin to plan ahead and consider my schedule more thoughtfully. Right now, I’m at home crying… Can’t you tell I don’t want to be on my own?’

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

If no response was received after a week, she subsequently sent another message asking why he hadn’t been replying to her earlier ones.

In our recent conversation on August 1st, 2017, when I chose not to respond, I simply meant that I wasn’t inclined to engage with you at that moment.

Fourty-eight hours prior to the police raid on her Double Bay apartment, where she was subsequently apprehended, Budge received another message from him as part of their ongoing communication.

“I appreciate your absence and lack of response during our conversation. It turns out that my mother has been readmitted to the hospital, which means a difficult week is ahead for me. Adding to that, I didn’t get any rest last night. Fortunately, I’m resilient.” (Paraphrased with a more polite and formal tone)

Ibrahim responded: ‘Busy,’ before Budge messaged him a day later saying: ‘Hello, remember me?’

In other writings, Budge openly declared her affection for the well-known nightclub personality and conveyed her belief that he would rekindle their connection.

‘I love you John, even though you are busy, mentally not here. You will come back.’

In spite of the ups and downs they’ve experienced, Budge and Ibrahim have persisted in their relationship. They became parents to a son named Elvis in 2021 and are currently thought to be living together.

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

After the 2019 trial for illegal gun possession, it was determined that Budge was not guilty of owning an unregistered 9mm Glock 26 handgun.

In August 2017, a raid on the Double Bay apartment of Budge led to the discovery of a weapon, for which she was subsequently charged. The search was part of a broader operation targeting the residences and associates of the Ibrahim family.

It turns out that Ibrahim had no connection to the firearm accusation, nor did he participate in any crimes carried out by his family members. Consequently, these searches (raids) took place.

After a jury decision, it was determined that Budge was acquitted on all three firearm-related accusations since the prosecution failed to establish that she was aware the gun was in her residence.

2019 was an extremely challenging year for Budge, as she lost her mother Leone to cancer in March and had her father Mark standing by her during a legal proceeding.

Following a two-year struggle with cancer that ended in her mother’s passing, Budge honored her memory on social media and received comfort from Ibrahim during the funeral service.

In his post, Budge wrote, ‘She was an exceptionally radiant individual who spread sunshine and comfort wherever she went, as these family pictures show.’

Her strength was unyielding, and she endured a grueling struggle without a single complaint. Her affection for her family, friends, and our beloved pets was profound, a bond that is frequently teased about being stronger than her fondness for humans.

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot
Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

We’re incredibly grateful for sharing this time with you and being by your side. It’s gone by so quickly, leaving us all stunned.

Budge grew up in the northern suburbs of Sydney, specifically Gladesville, with her sibling Jack, who is employed in the construction industry.

Over time, Jack has shared numerous pictures featuring Ibrahim and Budge on his Facebook account, usually taken at various pubs and restaurants scattered throughout Sydney.

As a passionate aspirant, I delved into the art of makeup application, honing my skills while working part-time in the vibrant city CBD nightclubs. In the spirit of adventure and pursuing my dreams, I established the Crane Bar in Kings Cross, welcoming patrons from December 2012 onwards.

Additionally, Budge has showcased his versatility by working as a model, gracing television commercials for Virgin Australia, and appearing in photo sessions for undergarment and beachwear companies.

2020 saw disappointment for Budge as the Covid-19 pandemic’s destructive effects prevented her from reopening Crane Bar.

‘Sarah’s a bit heartbroken,’ a friend said at the time. ‘She’s disheartened at the moment.’ 

Due to the strict limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as reducing customer capacity, Budge was left with no choice but to make a permanent closure of his business.

The source added regrettably, ‘Crane is yet another victim of COVID-19.’ It appears that Crane will not be the only one affected in this way. She intends to direct her attention elsewhere.

Who is John Ibrahim's fiancée Sarah Budge? Inside their tumultuous relationship and the brutal texts that almost ended their romance - after he was identified as intended target of an alleged assassination plot

2012 saw the grand opening of Crane Bar, renowned for its innovative Japanese-fusion cuisine. The occasion was marked by an extravagant event that attracted notable personalities such as former X Factor host Luke Jacobz and popular TV actor Dan Ewing.

The establishment originally held a prized 24-hour operating license, making it suitable for hosting late-night corporate events and social gatherings with as many as 350 attendees.

2014 saw the enactment of laws aimed at minimizing alcohol-induced violence in Kings Cross, which included establishing a 1:30 AM lockout time and 3 AM as the latest hour for serving drinks. However, COVID-19 ultimately served as the final blow to these establishments.

Once upon time, Ibrahim managed a series of nightclubs located in the district known as The Cross. However, these days, his primary business endeavors within the area once famous for its nightlife have shifted towards real estate.

Apart from having a son named Elvis with Budge, Ibrahim additionally has an older son, Daniel, aged around 30, from a previous romantic connection.

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2024-09-27 07:52

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