Richmond AFL player Marlion Pickett has been given a suspended sentence after being charged with offences related to the theft of more than $380,000. The 31-year-old appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was granted bail after being held in custody overnight.
Police allege Pickett was involved in a series of commercial burglaries between December and January, resulting in the theft of Australian and foreign currencies from safes. He faces 12 charges, including four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of stealing, and three counts of criminal damage.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing a risk of reoffending, but Magistrate Erin O'Donnell granted bail on conditions including residing at his Melbourne address, weekly reporting to police, no contact with co-offenders, and a $50,000 personal surety.
Pickett's lawyer, David Manera, argued that the prosecution case relied on deposits made into his bank account by co-offenders and a camper-van rented in his name. Pickett's manager, Anthony Van Der Wielen, emphasised the presumption of innocence, while Richmond FC stated they would support Pickett and his family through the legal process.
Pickett, who debuted in the 2019 AFL grand final and won two premierships with Richmond, is out of contract at the end of the 2023 season. The court proceedings continue.
