AFL player Garlett escapes conviction

AAP

17:30 AEST Mon May 11 2015

AFL footballer Jeffrey Garlett has escaped conviction over a "pretty horrific" brawl during which he was knocked unconscious on his 25th birthday.

Garlett pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Monday to one charge of behaving in a riotous manner over the August 3 brawl last year involving dozens of men.

He was placed on a diversion program until mid-November and must continue volunteer work mentoring children.

The Melbourne player was fined $5000 by his then club Carlton and missed games in the lead-up to the 2014 finals.

Prosecutor Geoff Adams described the incident as "pretty horrific".

Garlett's lawyer Bernie Balmer said Garlett, who wouldn't comment, was now a different person, and was keen to be a role model to Aboriginal youth.

"It's all behind him," he told reporters.

"Keep in mind, Jeff was absolutely knocked out on this night so that's a penalty in itself."

Mr Garlett's cousin Gerald Garlett pleaded guilty to one charge of affray over the incident and was fined $1500 without conviction.

SOURCE: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8986241

I hope he gets victims of crime compo.

I want justice for Jeff!

Any lawyers want to chime in on the use of terms like "escaped conviction" for someone who was essentially found not guilty. The headline kind of makes it seem like the accused is guilty but was found "innocent" as a result of some kind of technicality or shady dealings.

It kind of defeats the purpose of being found not guilty if you ask me. Maybe I'm wrong though.

Any lawyers want to chime in on the use of terms like "escaped conviction" for someone who was essentially found not guilty. The headline kind of makes it seem like the accused is guilty but was found "innocent" as a result of some kind of technicality or shady dealings.

It kind of defeats the purpose of being found not guilty if you ask me. Maybe I'm wrong though.

He plead guilty but was granted a spent conviction.

Essentially, still penalised but won't show on his national police certificate.

Edited May 11, 201510 yr by Ethan Tremblay

Bernie the attorney is an ex-boxer and about as tough as they come...Jeff got a good beak

Any lawyers want to chime in on the use of terms like "escaped conviction" for someone who was essentially found not guilty. The headline kind of makes it seem like the accused is guilty but was found "innocent" as a result of some kind of technicality or shady dealings.

It kind of defeats the purpose of being found not guilty if you ask me. Maybe I'm wrong though.

Wasn't found not guilty.

I agree that media tends to beat things up but in this case I don't see an issue.

AFL player Garlett escapes conviction

AAP

17:30 AEST Mon May 11 2015

AFL footballer Jeffrey Garlett has escaped conviction over a "pretty horrific" brawl during which he was knocked unconscious on his 25th birthday.

Garlett pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Monday to one charge of behaving in a riotous manner over the August 3 brawl last year involving dozens of men.

He was placed on a diversion program until mid-November and must continue volunteer work mentoring children.

The Melbourne player was fined $5000 by his then club Carlton and missed games in the lead-up to the 2014 finals.

Prosecutor Geoff Adams described the incident as "pretty horrific".

Garlett's lawyer Bernie Balmer said Garlett, who wouldn't comment, was now a different person, and was keen to be a role model to Aboriginal youth.

"It's all behind him," he told reporters.

"Keep in mind, Jeff was absolutely knocked out on this night so that's a penalty in itself."

Mr Garlett's cousin Gerald Garlett pleaded guilty to one charge of affray over the incident and was fined $1500 without conviction.

SOURCE:

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8986241

Watching Jeff's on field behaviour, I am of the opinion that he is not only a bloody good footballer but a good sportsman. He is a wonderful acquisition and exciting to watch. Let's see you kick a bag now that your court case is behind you Jeff.

Watching Jeff's on field behaviour, I am of the opinion that he is not only a bloody good footballer but a good sportsman. He is a wonderful acquisition and exciting to watch. Let's see you kick a bag now that your court case is behind you Jeff.

I totally agree. He's been an absolutely fantastic acquisition for us.

A complete steal.

What happened to the young turks that ambushed Garlett?

Maybe Dawes can represent him at his next appearance.