- Marlion Pickett to fight criminal charges
- AFL star charged with commercial theft-related offences
- His case was adjourned in a Perth court on Wednesday.
Marlion Pickett will fight serious criminal charges against him as the Richmond premiership hero is accused of being involved in a series of commercial robberies.
Pickett, who was raised in Western Australia, was charged with 12 offences on June 11, 2023 following the Tigers’ win over Fremantle at Optus Stadium, and spent the night in custody before being granted bail.
The 32-year-old football star was allegedly involved in four commercial burglaries dating between December 3, 2022, and January 3, 2023, and is accused of helping steal more than $350,000 from businesses in Beverley, Bindoon, Beechboro and Girrawheen.
The latest alleged incident is said to have been a major robbery, in which $325,000 was stolen from a currency exchange office.
Pickett has also been accused of renting a motorhome to transport the money across the country, as well as purchasing the tools and clothing needed for the crimes. He allegedly pocketed $15,000 in stolen money for his services.
The Tigers star has yet to enter a plea in the case, with police on Wednesday submitting what The West describes as critical evidence, including mobile phone data, and the case being adjourned for a ninth time in Perth Magistrates Court.
Pickett’s attorney, David Manera, told reporters that prosecutors had requested a delay in the case.
“We have no objection; in fact, we would prefer it to be postponed,” Manera said.
He added that Pickett will not be required to attend the matter when it is heard in the WA District Court, and that his client plans to fight the charges.
Marlion Pickett will fight a series of charges against him
Soccer star accused of involvement in series of commercial robberies
“The court will be informed that he has pleaded not guilty,” Manera told reporters.
It was also revealed that police had obtained evidence including mobile phone triangulation data intended to prove where the Richmond player was when the alleged offences occurred.
Several co-authors are expected to be charged, but as of this writing, only one has been.
Kurtley Shane Thorne pleaded guilty to several offences including aggravated robbery, theft and attempted laundering of property or money from crime.
He is expected to be sentenced on October 22.
Meanwhile, Pickett’s case is expected to be heard on August 1. He has been charged with three counts of robbery, four counts of aggravated robbery and commission of a felony, one count of receiving, one count of attempted robbery and three counts of criminal damage or destruction of property.
