Former BBL cricketer Aaron Summers arrested in Darwin to face charges in Tasmania

A convicted child groomer and former Big Bash League cricketer has been intercepted and arrested ahead of a planned trip to Perth.

Former BBL star Aaron Summers has been arrested in Darwin and will be extradited to Tasmania to face new charges. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

A convicted child groomer and former Big Bash League cricketer has been intercepted and arrested ahead of a planned trip to Perth and will instead be taken by authorities to another side of the country where he will face a new and “extremely serious” charge.

At Darwin Local Court on Monday morning, former Hobart Hurricanes fast bowler Aaron William Summers appeared at Darwin Local Court.

Supported by his parents in the courtroom, Mr Summers was arrested on Sunday prior to boarding a flight destined for Perth.

It was heard a warrant had been issued for Mr Summers’ arrest relating to a “historical complaint” in Tasmania.

Mr Summers’ lawyer, Richard Bryson, said the circumstances around his client’s arrest was an “unusual matter”.

The court heard Mr Summers, now 28, intended to fly to Perth where he would stay with his parents.

Summers’ lawyer said his client was “not a flight risk”. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Mr Bryson said his client thought he was clear to fly to Perth following correspondence between the Summers family and various authorities – including the Attorney General’s department and Tasmanian Police.

Mr Kelly said his client “should get bail”.

“He is not a flight risk,” he said.

“I have his passport here ready to surrender.”

However, the prosecution opposed bail, saying the nature of the allegation was “extremely serious” and pertained to Mr Summers’ allegedly penetrating a child.

The prosecution also said Mr Summers was a “flight risk”.

Judge Steve Ledek denied bail. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Judge Steve Ledek denied bail for Mr Summers, who will remain in custody.

He will be transferred to Tasmania on April 16, 2025.

On Monday afternoon, Tasmanian Police confirmed they were extraditing Mr Summers.

“Police are today extraditing a man from the Northern Territory to Tasmania over child sexual abuse charges,” the statement read.

“Detectives from the Southern District have travelled to the Northern Territory and are extraditing the 28-year-old back to Tasmania.”

Tasmanian Police also confirmed Mr Summers would face Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday - the same day he flies into Tasmania.

He faces charges of penetrative sexual abuse of a child or young person and grooming with intent to expose a person to indecent material.

“The charges relates to crimes allegedly committed in 2021 in Tasmania.”