Marlion Pickett, a former AFL star who debuted for the Richmond Tigers in the 2019 grand final, is currently facing criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in several burglaries. Pickett faces 12 charges, including stealing, criminal damage to property, and aggravated burglary. He is accused of targeting businesses in Perth and surrounding suburbs, as well as in the town of Beverley, between December 2022 and January 2023, taking a total of $380,000 from safes.
Pickett has only appeared in court once since being arrested in June 2023, despite facing multiple court hearings. He has retired from Richmond and continues to fight the charges through his lawyer. Despite being released on bail with conditions allowing him to continue with his AFL commitments, there have been instances of disorganization in court proceedings. Pickett was supposed to confirm his attendance at a Melbourne courthouse but failed to do so, sending a photo of the courthouse steps instead.
Prosecutors allege that money stolen from a currency exchange was laundered and that Pickett’s phone was tracked near one of the burglary locations at the time of the offense. Additionally, a campervan used to transfer stolen money interstate was rented in Pickett’s name, and he allegedly purchased clothing worn by the offenders. However, Pickett’s lawyer has argued that the case against him is weak and that the phone tower tracking evidence may be unreliable.
Pickett’s court proceedings have faced delays and warnings from judges due to repeated adjournments. Magistrate Sarah Oliver had warned against further adjournments in the past, and more recent court appearances have been marked by disorganization. Despite these challenges, Pickett remains determined to fight the charges at trial. His lawyer has expressed confidence in the weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and the reliability of the evidence presented against Pickett.
The legal battle surrounding Pickett’s alleged crimes continues, with ongoing court appearances and challenges from both the prosecution and the defense. Pickett, who was once a rising star in the AFL, now navigates the complexities of the criminal justice system as he fights to clear his name. The allegations against him, including money laundering and burglary, paint a stark contrast to his achievements on the football field. As the legal proceedings unfold, Pickett remains focused on his defense and maintaining his innocence.
Pickett’s involvement in the alleged burglaries, along with his brother-in-law and four other co-accused, has raised questions about his conduct off the field and the impact on his reputation. The accusations against Pickett, a player with a promising AFL career, have cast a shadow over his achievements in the sport. As he faces the legal consequences of the charges brought against him, Pickett seeks to defend himself against the allegations and prove his innocence in a court of law. The outcome of his trial will determine the future trajectory of his life and legacy as a former AFL star.
