Bradley Middlebrook: Parramatta rugby league fight accused faces court
A talented footy player linked with both the Roosters and Sharks was capsicum sprayed by cops after getting involved in a wild NYE brawl. The 20-year-old is also still before the courts over an allegation of his involvement in a train station stabbing and a violent brawl following a footy match earlier this month.
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An aspiring NRL player charged over an alleged violent clash with a rival footy team in western Sydney has been convicted of an unrelated New Year’s Eve assault.
Bradley Wayne Robert Middlebrook, 20, of Kingswood, was sentenced at Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, a little more than a week after he was charged over his alleged role in a violent brawl at an under-20s game in North Parramatta on August 9.
One Wentworthville Magpies player and two spectators, aged 16 and 22, were stabbed in the melee, which police alleged Middlebrook initiated. The 19-year-old player suffered critical stab wounds to his neck and torso.
Former Fiji rugby league representative Ratu Nanovo, 19, faces three counts of wounding with intent. Middlebrook, however, has not been charged in relation to the stabbing but faces charges of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard Middlebrook, a Penrith Brothers player and Hills Sports High School alumnus, had been on bail at the time of last week’s alleged brawl after another violent assault at Cambridge Park on New Year’s Eve.
He pleaded guilty to assault and damaging property and a further charge of affray was withdrawn.
The court heard Middlebrook is also charged over an unrelated stabbing at Kingswood train station alongside his brother, Jason, 21, on Australia Day.
He has pleaded not guilty to one count of reckless wounding in company, while his brother faces the same charge and another of supplying a prohibited drug.
During sentencing, the court heard Middlebrook was a talented rugby league player whose first grade career had been put on hold due to a string of serious injuries.
“The issue with Mr Middlebrook is alcohol,” the defence said.
“He is a very talented footballer and was with the Cronulla Sharks when he tore his ACL and then recovered for 18 months and was due to play for the Roosters when he snapped his Achilles.
“That obviously affected him and led him to drink to excess.”
Court documents revealed Middlebrook was seen fighting in the street with two other males when officers were called to Conway Ave, Cambridge Park just after 10.30pm on December 31 last year.
Police say Middlebrook was seen throwing punches and pushed the males while another male tried to restrain him.
As police approached in their car, Middlebrook kicked the vehicle and yelled at officers, “F**k you, what are you going to do c***s”.
After police told him to back away, Middlebrook continued yelling abuse at them and kicked the side door, causing damage.
He only stopped after he was capsicum sprayed.
Magistrate Brian van Zuylen acknowledged that the incident was Middlebrook’s first criminal offence.
“The court is aware he has other much more serious matters still before the court that he is in custody for,” Mr van Zuylen said.
“He is a talented rugby league player whose potential career has been restricted by serious injuries.”
Middlebrook was convicted without penalty. He remains bail refused on the unrelated charges and will return to court in September.