Brian Lake, Roberta Williams: Melbourne’s northwest names in court
A fight over a soap star’s rise to stardom and a Collingwood star’s public brawl landed these big names in a legal stoush. And they’re just a few of the Melbourne identities who’ve found themselves in court.
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Being famous has its advantages in life, such as the occasional free lunch.
But celebrities behaving badly can also bring the wrong kind of attention – even for something as minor as jaywalking.
Here are some of Melbourne’s famous faces from the northwest who have been on the wrong side of a legal proceeding.
BRIAN LAKE
AFL bad boy Brian Lake landed himself in hot water back in April 2019 when he spent two nights in the clink for serious charges including stalking, assault and trespass.
Lake pleaded guilty at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court and was released.
However, Lake, who had done time in Japan, was back in trouble earlier this year after he was successfully prosecuted by Melton Council for letting his weeds grow too long.
ROBERTA WILLIAMS
The former gangland wife of slain drug dealer Carl Williams became something of a celebrity herself due to her very public association with Melbourne’s infamous underbelly.
So much so that she even hooked up with a producer to make a reality television show about a day in the life of Roberta Williams.
Unfortunately the production went pear-shaped after Williams was charged with allegedly kidnapping and extorting the hapless producer.
Williams – who is awaiting trial – denies all charges.
SIMON BEASLEY
The once high-flying Footscray full-forward and notorious bookmaker found himself in a bit of strife back in 2009 when the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board found he had been running an illegal book and deceiving Victorian racing authorities.
The 1985 Coleman medallist was fined $50,000 and disqualified for four years.
Beasley returned to bookmaking but found himself in trouble again late last year when he was fined $17,500 after admitting taking bets outside of the limitations of his licence.
MARK PHILIPPOUSSIS
His fast serves earned him the nickname ‘Scud’ but Mark Philippoussis’ pace also extended to the road after the former tennis star was busted speeding in his mother’s BMW back in January 2002.
Philippoussis copped a fine for his actions and has not been in trouble with the law since.
Compared to some of Aussie tennis’s more recent stars the Scud has definitely led a life on the straight and narrow.
DANE SWAN
Before ‘Swanny’ had made his mark in the Collingwood midfield – and well before most of his body was covered in ink – the young lad from Melbourne’s northwest got himself in big trouble with police.
Swan and others were involved in a serious affray at Federation Square in 2003 where a security guard was knocked out and another victim sustained permanent brain injuries.
Swan pleaded guilty to affray and was ordered to perform community service.
The Brownlow medallist and premiership star later said the incident almost ended his career.
NICK BRACKS
The actor/model son of former Labor premier Steve Bracks was fined $750 and banned from driving for 15 months in November 2007 after a drunken car smash in Williamstown.
Bracks junior lost control of the family Saab at a roundabout in Melbourne Rd and crashed into a tree.
The car was a write-off and Bracks, then a P-plater, later recorded a blood-alcohol level of 0.129.
He pleaded guilty to drink-driving, exceeding the speed limit and careless driving.
The crash was held partly responsible for Steve Bracks’ shock resignation as premier two weeks later.
HOLLY VALANCE
The girl from Fitzroy who won hearts on Neighbours, rocketed to top of the Aussie music charts and landed big roles in the States has led a largely innocent life bar for one mishap which landed her in court almost two decades ago.
In 2003, Valance lost her bitter legal stoush with ex-manager Scott Michaelson over breach of contract.
Michaelson, also a former Neighbours’ actor, claimed he gave Valance her start in acting and secured her a recording contract.
Valance claimed she had the right to sack her manager but a Supreme Court justice found it the other way and Valance was ordered to pay $350,000.
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