Ex Mapgpie Aaron James wants to know likely punishment if he pleads guilty to string of charges
A former AFL footballer has been told he won’t be allowed to hedge his bets on a plea if he comes before a certain magistrate.
South East
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An AFL footballer who wore the colours for Collingwood and Richmond has been warned he won’t be allowed to hedge his bets on a plea over serious charges if he comes before a certain magistrate.
Aaron James, 48, on Tuesday made a brief appearance at Frankston Magistrates Court via video link from remand.
He is facing a string of serious charges over an alleged seven month crime spree that included allegedly “sexually exposing” his genitalia.
James’ defence lawyer Richard Jakobson on Wednesday asked for the matter to be adjourned and relisted as a 60 minute sentence indication.
The process would allow the court to provide a likely sentence should James plead guilty, before he entered his plea.
Magistrate Fiona Stewart granted the request but warned Mr Jakobson the ex Collingwood and Richmond player would not get a sentence indication if the matter came before her on August 6.
“Obviously your client is concerned about a lengthy sentence,” Ms Stewart said.
“If it comes before me I won’t be providing (a sentence indication).
“Sentence indications were introduced to be used when dealing with small matters, not matters where there are numerous police briefs.
“If you don’t like what the magistrate says another magistrate has to hear it all over again.
“It’s not an efficient running of the court.”
The court heard police have provided at least 11 briefs of evidence about alleged incidents involving James.
They include allegedly being in possession of methyl amphetamine and 1,4 Butanediol on multiple occasions.
Police have also accused James of driving on the wrong side of the road at high speed while disqualified and potentially putting lives in danger.
James has been in custody since his arrest on May 26 after a police manhunt initiated when he failed to answer bail.
Arrest warrants were issued for James and his mugshot released after police in the state’s north went public in searching for him over his failure to appear in court on serious charges.
Those matters included failing to answer bail, theft and drug charges.
James played for Collingwood, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs after being drafted by the Magpies in 1993.
He retired in 2002 after playing 54 games.