- Marlion Pickett will fight criminal charges
- AFL star charged with commercial burglary offences
- His case was adjourned in a Perth court on Wednesday
Marlion Pickett is set to face serious criminal charges against him, with the Richmond premiership hero accused of being involved in a series of burglaries at commercial properties.
Pickett, who grew up in Western Australia, was charged with 12 offences following the Tigers’ win over Fremantle at Optus Stadium on June 11, 2023. He spent the night in custody before being released on bail.
The 32-year-old football star is alleged to have been involved in four business burglaries between December 3, 2022 and January 3, 2023 and is accused of assisting in the theft of more than $350,000 from businesses in Beverley, Bindoon, Beechboro and Girrawheen.
The latter incident is believed to have been the largest robbery, with $325,000 stolen from a currency exchange.
Pickett is also accused of renting an RV to transport the money across the country, as well as purchasing the tools and clothing needed for the crimes. He reportedly pocketed $15,000 in stolen money for his services.
The Tigers star has yet to make a request in the case. Police on Wednesday submitted evidence that The West said was crucial, including mobile phone data. The case has been adjourned for the ninth time at the Perth District Court.
Pickett’s attorney, David Manera, told reporters that the prosecution had requested a postponement of the case.
“We have no objection, in fact we want the meeting to be postponed,” Manera said.
He added that Pickett will not be required to attend the case when it comes before the District Court of Western Australia and that his client intends to fight the charges.
Marlion Pickett will fight a number of charges against him
Footballer accused of involvement in series of commercial burglaries
“The court will be informed that he has pleaded not guilty,” Mr Manera told reporters.
It was further revealed that police have obtained evidence, including mobile phone triangulation data, to show where the Richmond player was when the alleged offences took place.
It is expected that multiple accomplices will be charged, but at the time of publication, that has only just happened.
Kurtley Shane Thorne has pleaded guilty to a handful of offences, including aggravated burglary, theft and attempted laundering of property or money derived from crime.
His sentence is expected to be announced on October 22.
Pickett’s case is expected to be heard on August 1. He has been charged with three counts of theft, four counts of aggravated burglary and theft, one count of receiving stolen goods, one count of attempted theft and three counts of criminal damage or destruction of property.