Richmond player Marlion Pickett will face trial over allegations he was involved in stealing more than $380,000 in a spate of commercial burglaries across Perth last summer after pleading not guilty on Thursday.
The 32-year-old is facing 12 charges, including stealing, criminal damage to a property and aggravated burglary, after police alleged Pickett and his brother-in-law, along with four other co-accused, targeted businesses in Perth and the northern suburbs of Nollamara, Girrawheen and Beechboro, and the regional town of Beverley, between December 2022 and January 2023, taking money from safes.
Marlion Pickett (centre) outside court in Perth.Credit: AAP
On one occasion, $325,000 was allegedly taken from a currency exchange.
After Pickett was charged, prosecutors alleged he was tied to the crimes because his phone “pinged” near one of the burglary locations at the time the offence was being committed.
It was also alleged a campervan that was used to transfer some money interstate was rented in his name, and that he purchased clothing worn by the offenders.
Pickett then allegedly received payments of $6000 and $9000 into his bank account.
During his bail application last year, Pickett’s defence lawyer David Manera said the case against his client was weak.
Since then, Pickett has not made any appearances at court in person, and on Thursday his lawyer formally entered his pleas of not guilty to all of the charges on his behalf.
The matters will now proceed to the Perth District Court and be prepared for a trial.
Pickett has been given special bail conditions that allow him to continue his interstate football commitments. He has been supported by the club.
He was selected by Richmond in the 2019 mid-season draft and made his debut in the 2019 grand final, becoming a premiership player and Richmond life member after just one game. He has now played 90 games.
His matter will next be heard Perth District Court on October 11.