Daniel Connors: Former AFL star in court over alleged car chase
The case against a former AFL player accused of involvement in a violent car chase is “bereft” of any evidence, his lawyer has claimed.
An AFL footballer sacked for off-field antics has faced court over his alleged involvement in a violent car chase through Melbourne.
Daniel Connors appeared briefly in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon via a video link.
The former Richmond Tigers player was arrested days after an alleged car chase in Melbourne on Christmas Eve when shots were allegedly fired at another vehicle.
According to court documents, Mr Connors was allegedly present in the rear of a Rav4 as it pursued a silver Volkswagen before crashing on Bell St in Pascoe Vale about 7.30am on December 24.
Earlier the same day, the 34-year-old is alleged to have attended an apartment where he lifted up his shirt, revealing a firearm tucked into his trousers shortly before 2am.
Mr Connors faces seven charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, firearm offences and committing an indictable offence on bail.
It is not alleged Mr Connors fired a gun.
At an earlier appearance, prosecutor Michael Roper described Mr Connors’ role in the alleged offending as “not just there for the ride”.
“He’s part of a common purpose,” he said.
In court, Mr Connors’ lawyer requested the matter be adjourned to a later date as police had not yet provided her with documents relating to the charges.
“The brief is really bereft of evidence to support the police’s case at this point,” she said.
“This cannot be meaningfully progressed today.”
A prosecutor told the court that police would provide the missing documentation to his solicitors “as soon as possible”.
Despite playing just 29 games at the highest level, Mr Connors was considered a gifted player when he was drafted in 2006 before off-field antics led the club to sack him in 2012.
The case was adjourned by magistrate Helen Spowart. Mr Connors will return to court in May.
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