The Snitch: 2013 State of Origin streaker Wati Holmwood’s drug charge
The man who streaked through a 2013 State of Origin match wearing nothing but sneakers has attracted the attention of police once again, this time he is charged with possessing a prohibited drug.
NSW
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The man who imprinted himself on the 2013 State of Origin series by running through the play wearing nothing but a pair of runners has returned.
It seems Wati Holmwood just can’t keep his large frame away from the gaze of the law.
He’s due to face Waverley Local Court on July 15 charged with possessing a prohibited drug.
Details of the alleged offence are slim at this stage, given Holmwood hasn’t made a first appearance in court and attempts to contact him yesterday were unsuccessful.
Also unconfirmed is whether he was wearing clothes at the time of the alleged offence and also if, and where, the drugs were concealed.
Holmwood came into our lives in the closing stages of Game 3 in the 2013 Origin Series when he made a lengthy nude run on the field that was broadcast on live TV and seen by millions.
The Blues were coming home strong when Holmwood ditched his clothes, skipped the fence past security to make it 80m up the field and interfere with play, falling over right in the Maroons’ attack line.
Play had to be stopped, costing NSW crucial time, with Queensland clocking up their eighth consecutive series win.
Holmwood pleaded guilty to entering a playing field without authorisation, and wilful and obscene exposure in a public place and was eventually sentenced to three months’ jail.
ROGERSON GETS A DATE
Mark August 17 in your diaries: That’s the date the NSW Supreme Court has given for Roger Rogerson to produce the evidence the jailed ex-cop reckons will clear him of murder.
The one-time golden boy of the force has foreshadowed in a previous court appearance that he plans to produce fresh evidence that he says will clear his name.
LYING LOW
A high-profile fitness industry boss is apparently lying low as allegations begin to surface of improper business dealings.
Some fitness insiders say the Northern Beaches rugby-loving businessman has been unusually out of the spotlight in recent weeks. The Snitch hears trouble is brewing, with the allegations involving dishonesty and corporate fraud. Watch this space.
STEEL YOURSELF
The acquittal of top Sydney neurosurgeon Tim Steel made headlines this week, but lesser known is Magistrate Vivien Swaine’s treatment of the AVO taken out against Mr Steel.
In the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, Steel was found not guilty of assaulting his ex-model wife Emma, who accused him of kicking, punching and slapping her, as well as inflicting financial abuse despite taking a $24,000-a-month allowance.
Magistrate Swain ruled there were inconsistencies in Mrs Steel’s evidence and dismissed the charges on the grounds the surgeon had acted in self-defence.
But then there was the matter of the AVO police took out against Mr Steel to accompany the assault charge.
It’s a common practice that people who have been acquitted of domestic violence charges will not bother fighting the existence of an AVO because relations are so bad that they don’t plan to go near their ex anyway after the court case.
But Mr Steel has his career to consider as a celebrated brain surgeon, so he instructed lawyer Paul McGirr to run yet another hit-up and argue that the AVO be tossed as well.
It turned out to be a good move because Magistrate Swain then ruled that the AVO had no basis and ordered it be discontinued.
You can expect low betting odds this is to be raised as a key arguing point when Mr Steel fights the state medical board’s decision to suspend him over the charges.
EVEREST CASE GETS STEEPER
The legal battle surrounding the winnings of champion racehorse Redzel from Australia’s richest horse race has just escalated.
Earlier this year, a number of the owners launched legal action in the District Court against Triple Crown Bloodstock, which manages the syndicate of owners.
The owners claim the $320,000 trophy Redzel won for taking out 2017’s The Everest had been sold by Triple Crown without their permission.
In March, Triple Crown’s Michael and Chris Ward said they would vigorously defend the action and denied any wrongdoing.
Things have escalated, with the case now moving from the District Court to the NSW Supreme Court.
We’re hearing this is because the dollar value of the legal action has grown to more than $1 million, with allegations that all the prizemoney won by Redzel did not reach the owners. We’ll find out more when the case lands in the Supreme Court on July 31.
Got a snitch? Contact Ava.benny-morrison@news.com.au or Brenden.hills@news.com.au
Originally published as The Snitch: 2013 State of Origin streaker Wati Holmwood’s drug charge