The drug dealer who supplied cocaine to disgraced NRL star Jarrod Mullen has been sentenced to prison after remarkably confessing his crimes on a popular rugby league podcast.
Podcast Confession Leads to Jail Time
Aaron Macey, 32, received a two-year prison sentence with a non-parole period of 12 months after his stunning admission on the Bloke in a Bar podcast hosted by former players Braith Anasta and Reni Maitua.
During the podcast recording, Macey openly discussed supplying cocaine to Mullen, unaware that his confession would ultimately lead to his arrest and prosecution.
From Podcast Studio to Courtroom
The court heard how Macey's podcast appearance in October 2022 became crucial evidence in the case against him. Detective Acting Inspector Wayne Gray confirmed that police became aware of Macey's admissions through the public broadcast.
"The podcast was the instigator for the investigation," Inspector Gray stated, highlighting how social media and digital content are increasingly playing roles in criminal investigations.
Mullen's Fall from Grace
Jarrod Mullen, once a celebrated Newcastle Knights playmaker, saw his career collapse in 2017 when he received a four-year ban after testing positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone.
The court proceedings revealed that Macey had been supplying cocaine to Mullen both before and after the footballer's steroid ban, with their drug relationship spanning several years.
Sentencing and Consequences
Magistrate Janine Lacey delivered a stern message during sentencing, emphasizing that "general deterrence is of significant importance" in drug supply cases.
Macey pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug, with the court acknowledging his early plea and lack of criminal history as mitigating factors. However, the magistrate stressed that drug dealing inevitably leads to prison time.
The case serves as a stark warning about the consequences of drug offences and the unexpected ways in which criminal activity can be exposed in the digital age.
