Dual premiership-winning Tiger Marlion Pickett has been granted bail under strict conditions after being remanded in custody in Perth.
The 31-year-old was arrested by Western Australian Police on Sunday in relation to a series of crimes committed in the West between December of 2022 and January of this year.
Pickett was charged by Midland Police with four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of stealing and three counts of criminal damage during commercial burglaries.
Police presented that Pickett and his alleged co-offenders were said to have played roles in the theft of more than $380,000 in Australian and foreign currencies from within safes.
Prosecutors are alledging that payments were made into Pickett's bank account by his alleged co-offenders and that a vehicle connected to the alleged crimes was rented in the footballer's name.
Pickett appeared before Perth Magistrate Erin O'Donnell on Monday and was granted bail under the conditions that he remained at his Reservoir residence, makes no contact with alleged co-offenders and provides a $50,000 personal surety.
Prior to the bail hearing, the Tigers' manager, Anthony Van Der Wielen, told Newscorp that his client will be fighting each of the charges.
โIn response to the allegations, Marlion has a strong intent to defend himself against the charges," Mr. Van Der Wielan's statement began.
โDue to the ongoing legal nature of the proceedings, Marlion, or myself will not be able to provide any further details, comment or clarification about the matter at this stage.
We understand and respect the public's interest in this matter, but we also implore all to respect the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, and to allow the legal proceedings to follow their due course without prejudice."
The Richmond Football Club released a separate statement on Sunday night, claiming the club would support Pickett's family and that they would be making no further statement on the matters at hand.
Pickett had previously been imprisoned on 17 counts of burglary and one count of aggravated burglary, serving two and half years at Acacia Prison and Wooroloo Prison Farm.
Pickett was released at age 21 in 2013 before beginning to train and play with WAFL outfit South Fremantle until being selected by the Tigers with the 13th pick of the 2019 Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
