Jake King appears in Melbourne court over extortion charges

FORMER Richmond footballer Jake King stands accused of threatening to shoot a man and break the legs of a man and his family over a $150,000 debt.

FORMER Richmond footballer Jake King stands accused of threatening to shoot a man and break the legs of a man and his family over a $150,000 debt.

Details of the case against King can be revealed for the first time since he was charged with extortion offences in July.

It is alleged King gave his victim a one month deadline to repay the money before threatening to take the matter into his own hands.

Jake King arrives at the Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning. Picture: Nicole Garmston.

King is facing charges over an alleged incident outside Crown Casino involving the business partner of Hawthorn player Tyrone Vickery.

It is understood King met Vickery’s business partner, Tony Mokdissi, in the foyer of Crown casino in a bid to retrieve the $150,000 debt.

Mr Mokdissi is named as one of several victims in charge sheets released publicly today.

They allege that King made the violent threats at Southbank on May 29 in an attempt to scare Mr Mokdissi into paying up.

King is charged with extortion, threat to kill and two counts each of threatening to inflict serious injury, and using a carriage service to harass.

Jake King arrives at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Picture: Nicole Garmston.

Jake King outside court. Picture: Nicole Garmston.

King and childhood friend Vickery were arrested on July 5 over the extortion claims.

Vickery was released pending further investigation.

King appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today for a brief hearing.

His lawyer Geoffrey Steward told magistrate Franz Holzer of “fruitful” discussions with prosecutors over the matter.

“It’s hoped something tangible will arise,” Mr Steward said when asked about how the matter might progress.

Mr Steward said it was unlikely the matter would make it to a jury trial, saying it could resolve.

Any resolution would differ significantly from the case police are currently prosecuting, Mr Steward stressed.

Tiger Jake King runs away from Eagle Matt Priddis during the Tigers and Eagles clash in Perth. Picture: NewsCorp.

Speaking publicly about the charges in August King defended his actions.

“I’m in a little bit of trouble at the moment; however, it’ll be cleared up and the truth does come out in the end,” he said at a women’s lunch at the Macleod Football Club.

“If I asked you a question — if someone robbed you of $500,000, what would you think towards that person?

“The fact that I say it, it makes me a bad person. But the fact I do nothing about it makes me a coward.”

King said he would “stick up” for his friends and family until the day he died. “I will move mountains if I can,” he said.

“If that means that I’m going to be s---canned and be on the front of the paper every second day, then s---, don’t waste your money. It’s all lies.

“It’s something I will do no matter what. It’s something that I’ve believed in and the way I’ve been raised.”