Brownlow votes guard Wesley Newell accused of misconduct
A man dubbed ‘The Armaguard hulk’ for his role delivering the votes on Brownlow night has been charged with misconduct — with the professional bodybuilder accused of trying to smuggle contraband into a jail.
Police & Courts
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A buff security guard who got tongues wagging at the 2016 AFL Brownlow for his hulk-like appearance has allegedly found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Wesley Newell, 42, from Richmond, was dubbed “Mr Brownlow” and “The Armaguard Hulk” after footage of him delivering the precious votes in a suitcase to the gala footy event went viral.
The world champion bodybuilder took his new-found fame in his stride, revealing in an online video after the AFL’s night of nights: “I love it. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.”
But almost four years on and the Herald Sun can reveal the former Armaguard worker turned prison officer has been charged with misconduct of a public official.
Court documents allege Mr Newell “wilfully and intentionally did culpably misconduct himself” while working as a corrections officer at Ravenhall Correctional Centre between February 1 last year and January 17 this year.
He is accused of taking contraband, including 557g of tobacco, tobacco papers and an ice pipe, into the prison.
Magazines and impact driver drill bits were also allegedly found in his possession on prison grounds.
Melton CIU detectives charged him last month.
He is no longer working at the facility.
The alleged offending spanned throughout last year in between Mr Newell jetsetting around the globe for pro bodybuilding competitions.
He was named the 2019 world champion at the World Fitness Federation’s championships in Mexico in November.
Speaking after the 2016 Brownlow Medal, Mr Newell laughed about the comments he was attracting, many of which referred to his biceps as “guns” and how the votes for the AFL fairest and best player ceremony were in “safe hands”.
Channel 9 reporter Tom Steinfort tweeted: “Forget the WAGs, no one has done more “preparation” for tonight’s Brownlow than the security guard protecting the votes #gunshow”.
Even the AFL took to social media, sharing a photo of Mr Newell, along the words: “The votes have been in safe hands since the umpires make their call after every game.”
It was his second year of taking on the role to ensure the votes for the AFL fairest and best player ceremony remain tight-lipped and don’t get into the wrong hands.
The Mr Universe competitor claimed he also occasionally worked at children’s parties as Transformer character Bumblebee.
Mr Newell was contacted for comment.
He will face Melbourne Magistrates Court in November.
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