Jailed former West Coast Eagle Ben Sharp blames club’s drug ‘culture’ for downfall
A FORMER West Coast Eagles rookie jailed for armed robbery was told by senior members of the club he needed to use cocaine or get out, a court has heard.
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A FORMER West Coast Eagles rookie jailed yesterday for armed robbery was told by senior members of the club he needed to use cocaine or get out, a court has heard.
Ben Sharp, 30, was sentenced to nine years’ jail over his role in a drug-fuelled armed robbery on a cash van outside a Sunbury McDonald’s.
The County Court heard Sharp claimed he was pressured into using illicit drugs after joining the Eagles in 2004.
“You were either in or out,” he claimed.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: WEST COAST EXPOSED IN TOP-SECRET REPORT
Judge Geoffrey Chettle described an 87-page report by retired Victorian Supreme Court judge William Gillard — and tendered by Sharp’s lawyer — as “fascinating”.
The full extent of the Eagles drug culture was exposed last month when the Herald Sun published the previously top-secret Gillard report.
The 87-page report, written by AFL special investigator and former judge Bill Gillard, lifted the lid on the rampant drug taking, lies and cover-ups between the late 1990s and 2007.
Sharp is mentioned on page 69. “Player Ben Sharp was caught drinking on a week night, the matter was referred to the (leadership) group who recommended he be suspended for a week.
“The club informed Ben Sharp in writing that he was on notice.”
Sharp has claimed the Eagles drug culture contributed to his downfall.
The extent of illicit drug use at the club is referenced throughout the Gillard report, including this reference on page 20; “I (Gillard) was informed that of the 28 positive tests (for off-field drugs) in the years 2005-06 the number of West Coast players testing positive was the equal worst in the AFL.”
Sharp played with fallen hero Ben Cousins during his prime at the Eagles.
Judge Chettle said Sharp’s move to Perth coincided with his uptake of cocaine, which he described as “part of the culture” of the club.
Sharp’s life continued to spiral out of control on his return to Victoria where he abused the drug ice daily.
In 2011, while under the influence of the drug, he led police on a wild chase.
He received an 18-month community corrections order in 2014 and days later committed the horrifying armed robbery with his brother, Chris, and friend, Nathan Lack.
Chris Sharp, 26, was sentenced to six years and nine-months in jail while Lack, 35, received 10 years.
The court heard the men stole $287,750 in the heist, which saw them menace a guard with a handgun and shotgun.
Sharp also pleaded guilty to trafficking 310g of methamphetamine to Western Australia.
When police raided Lack’s Williamstown home, they found a military-grade M16 assault rifle with fully loaded magazines.
Judge Chettle described the weapon’s purpose as “solely to kill numerous people quickly”.
The robbery had left their victim — an ex-soldier — an emotional wreck.
The court heard Lack had a lengthy criminal history and received numerous community-based orders in the years leading up to the heist.
He was so addicted to the drug ice it had caused him irreparable brain damage.
Ben Sharp must serve at least six years in jail, Chris Sharp three years and nine months and Lack eight years.