A Sydney magistrate has taken into account the “grief and anger” that led to a former NRL star’s death threat against a pub worker and confrontation with police.
Former NRL star Shane Dunley made 70 first division appearances for Balmain Tigers, Northern Eagles, Parramatta Eels and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles between 2004 and 2007.
He pleaded guilty at Sutherland Crown Court on Thursday to common assault, intimidation and obstructing or resisting a police officer in the exercise of his duties.
The charges followed an incident at Club Central Menai in Sydney’s south-west on March 10, in which the 48-year-old attacked one employee and threatened to kill another after being evicted from the venue.
The court heard Dunley had gone to the venue for dinner when a guest asked him about his brother Wayde, a once promising rugby league player who tragically passed away in 2017.
Wayde, 28, died after falling on Big Marley Beach while trying to fish from rocks. He was airlifted to St George Hospital in a critical condition but later died from fatal head injuries.
Shane and Wayde Dunley before the family tragedy that struck them in 2017
Shane Dunley played 70 games in the first division between 2004 and 2007 for clubs including Manly, Balmain and Parramatta
The former Wests Tigers NYC Player of the Year enjoyed a successful rugby career, contributing to two Sydney Shield Premierships with East Campbelltown. He is survived by his wife Chelsea and their daughter Koa.
House Rules host Johanna Griggs was in tears when she heard of his death, just one day after the couple submitted an audition tape for the reality show.
Shane posted a heartbreaking photo of the siblings at the time with the caption: “brothers, best friends.”
During the trial, the court heard accounts of Dunley’s behaviour on the night of the incident, during which his aggression escalated to threats of serious harm.
Dunley became ‘extremely emotional and angry’ after drinking excessively in the pub.
Court documents show Dunley attempted to confront a security guard as he was being escorted outside.
News Corp reported that in a fit of rage, he stormed over to a staff member and made threats such as: ‘I’m going to f***ing kill you, you bastard. I’m going to smash your head in. I’m going to stab you and kill your entire family. You’re a walking corpse.’
Wayde, pictured right, tragically died in 2017 when he fell off a cliff while fishing
Shane, now 48, was emotional about his brother’s death at the time of the incident
Despite being asked to leave, Dunley responded defiantly, saying, “Okay, get your biggest guy and I’ll go with him, I’ll go with anybody.”
The situation escalated further when Dunley headbutted another employee and provocatively asked, “Do you want some?”
Dunley and an alleged co-defendant were stopped by police shortly after leaving the pub. The pair reportedly admitted they had switched seats so that Dunley would appear as a passenger when they were stopped.
Both were arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where Dunley recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.158, more than three times the legal limit.
During Thursday’s court hearing, Dunley’s attorney, Wayne Pasterfield, emphasized the impact of Dunley’s brother’s death. He said that “Dunley has carried this grief and pent-up emotions with him ever since.”
“The suspect and his brother were very close, more like best friends,” he said.
‘Losing a brother under such tragic circumstances would have a devastating effect on most people in the community. And when combined with alcohol, it is a recipe for disaster.’
“Perhaps he has let go of his grief,” said Magistrate Philip Stewart.
The magistrate dismissed Dunley’s charge of obstructing police, but found him guilty of common assault and intimidation. Dunley was sentenced to 12 months’ community corrections and a $400 fine.