References from teammates that helped ex-Tiger Jake King walk free from court released
THE glowing references from AFL royalty that helped ex-player Jake King escape conviction over a frightening bash threat have been revealed, including a heartfelt statement from Richmond legend Matthew Richardson. READ FULL STATEMENTS
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THE glowing references from Richmond royalty and AFL identities that helped ex-player Jake King escape conviction over a frightening threat to bash a man have been revealed.
King, who was caught on tape threatening to bash a bloke he claims ripped off former teammate Ty Vickery, was yesterday sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour bond, without conviction, and asked to pay a $5000 donation to charity.
The Herald Sun can reveal the full who’s who of AFL royalty who have helped King walk away with little more than a slap on the wrist.
And the court accepted a reference from Vickery himself, who was arrested and interviewed but released without charge over the incident last year.
AFL Hall of Famer Dale Weightman, Tigers CEO Brendon Gale, Suns executive and former AFL big wig Craig Cameron, ex-Tigers champ Daniel Jackson and Bombers GM of football Daniel Richardson all backed the thug.
Others included former teammate Luke McGuane, Tigers legend Matthew Richardson and AFL agent Kathryn De Iulio as well as a policeman, church minister and lawyer.
READ FULL REFERENCES BELOW
The swag of references impressed magistrate Carolyn Burnside, who commended him for his charity work and said she would not sentence him to perform anymore.
She had heard King took it upon himself to help out Vickery upon learning he’d been dudded out of $143,000 by his then business partner Tony Mokdissi.
Mokdissi refused to submit a victim impact statement against King, who owns a tattoo parlour with the feared former bikie Toby Mitchell.
The sentence is believed to have shocked police, with talk of an appeal already in discussion.
“The Flea” Weightman described King’s best attributes as his “care, selflessness, loyalty, honesty and integrity”.
He earned near identical praise from Gale.
Richardson stated it was a pleasure to watch King build his “many successful businesses” outside football.
Vickery stated his mate’s actions were “out of character”.
“I know Jacob to be a selfless and hardworking individual of the highest character, demonstrated by his willingness to give back to the community and in particular sick kids,” he wrote.
Jackson described King as a man with a “quick temper” but “has only ever shown me that even in those moments, his true character is quick to reveal itself and his subsequent actions always reflect the good in him”.
One of the more bizarre references describes King as a “very simple eater”.
“He likes steak on the barbecue with salad and potatoes,” it read.
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