Western Bulldogs forward Cody Weightman cops spray in court

A Western Bulldogs small forward has copped a dressing down in court after being charged with a traffic offence.

Western Bulldogs young gun Cody Weightman has copped a good behaviour bond and ordered to donate to charity after running a red light in Melbourne’s CBD.

Weightman, 21, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to one traffic offence.

The court was told the Doggies small forward ran a red light on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets in June last year.

Prosecutors submitted the traffic light, a red arrow, had been red for 1.5 seconds when Weightman entered the intersection outside the Victoria Markets.

His vehicle was captured on a traffic camera.

Weightman, who appeared in person at court, said he didn’t recall the event but was “willing to take responsibility” as it was his car.

Cody Weightman pleaded guilty to running a red light outside Victoria Markets. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

“I know nothing about you. I don’t know if you own three or four cars but at the end of the day it won’t change the decision I am going to make,” Judicial Registrar Barry Johnstone said.

“Having a vehicle is a heavy responsibility. It’s a lethal weapon.

“Sometimes it’s a number of weeks until you realise an offence has actually happened and you can’t recall … ‘was it me or someone else driving the car’.”

Mr Johnstone took into account Weightman was a first-time offender and pleaded guilty to the charge at the earliest possibility.

The matter was adjourned for 12 months, during which he will be on a good behaviour bond.

He was also ordered to make a charity donation.

Weightman made his AFL debut with the Western Bulldogs in 2020.

The club has been contacted for comment.