Twist in case of AFL star who allegedly helped pull off burglary rampage that netted $350,000

• Marlion Pickett will fight criminal charges  
• AFL star accused of offences relating to commercial burglaries 
• His case was adjourned in a Perth court on Wednesday 

By Ollie Lewis

Marlion Pickett will fight serious criminal charges against him, with the Richmond premiership hero accused of involvement in a string of commercial burglaries.

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, spending the night in custody before being granted bail.

The footy star, 32, was allegedly involved in four commercial burglaries dating between December 3, 2022 and January 3, 2023 and is accused of helping to steal over $350,000 from businesses in Beverley, Bindoon, Beechboro and Girrawheen.

The latter alleged incident is said to have been the biggest heist, with $325,000 taken from a currency exchange. 

Pickett has also been accused of hiring a campervan to transport the money across the country, as well as buying the necessary tools and clothes for the crimes. He allegedly pocketed $15,000 in stolen money for his services.

The Tigers star is yet to enter pleas for the case, with police submitting what The West describes as critical evidence including mobile phone data on Wednesday, with the case adjourned for a ninth time at Perth Magistrates Court.

Pickett’s lawyer, David Manera, told reporters that the prosecution had applied for the case to be delayed. 

‘We’ve got no objection, in fact we’d prefer it to be adjourned,’ Mr Manera said.

He added that Pickett will not be required to attend the matter when it is committed in the District Court of WA, and that his client plans to fight the charges.  

Marlion Pickett will fight a number of charges against him

Footy star is accused of being involved in a string of commercial burglaries

‘The court will be advised he’s pleading not guilty,’ Mr Manera told reporters.

It was further revealed that police have obtained evidence which includes mobile phone triangulation data intended to prove where the Richmond player was when the alleged offences occurred. 

A number of co-offenders are expected to be charged but, at the time of publication, only one has.

Kurtley Shane Thorne has pleaded guilty to a handful of offences including aggravated burglary, stealing and attempting to launder property or money from proceeds of a crime. 

He is set to be sentenced on October 22. 

Pickett’s case, meanwhile, is expected to be heard on August 1. He has been charged with three counts of stealing, four of aggravated burglary and commit, one count of receiving, one count of attempted stealing and three counts of criminal damage or destruction of property. 

:
Twist in case of AFL star who allegedly helped pull off burglary rampage that netted $350,000

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk