Richmond’s Marlion Pickett free to play in Opening Round despite facing serious charges in Perth

Marlion Pickett is free to take his place in Richmond’s Opening Round side to take on the Suns despite facing an upcoming committal hearing in Perth on serious charges.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 27: Marlion Pickett of the Tigers warms up during the 2024 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Collingwood Magpies and Richmond Tigers at Ikon Park on February 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Richmond premiership player Marlion Pickett will be free to play in the opening round of the season, despite facing serious allegations in the Perth Magistrates court.

Pickett was set to face the court on Friday, March 1, over allegations of his involvement in a series of commercial burglaries in December 2022 and January 2023.

He already had his committal mention adjourned multiple times this pre-season, with an initial date of December 6, then January 19, however he will be due to front the court during the season.

There was a consent adjournment application signed and lodged by both parties, with the Magistrate to administratively adjourn the matter and set a new court date on Friday.

While Pickett does not have a formal date yet for the committal mention, it is expected to fall in about six weeks’ time, as per standard adjournment proceedings in Perth Magistrates Court.

Marlion Pickett is clear to play for the Tigers in round one. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The 32-year-old has been accused of being involved in the theft of more than $300,000, including the ransacking of safes at currency exchange businesses.

Pickett is also accused of being part of a plan to transport the money across Australia in a campervan.

The offences are alleged to have happened in the Perth suburbs of Beechboro and Girrawheen, as well as Beverley.

Pickett was granted bail in June, 2023, after spending a night in custody just hours after helping Richmond to a 15-point win over Fremantle at Perth Stadium.

The police prosecutor said it would be alleged that a campervan, hired in Pickett’s name, was driven interstate with sums of $6000 and $9000 later deposited into his bank account.

Pickett’s co-accused, Kurtley Thorne, pleaded guilty to all he has been charged with, which included some offences linked to the alleged burglary.

Mr Thorne is set to face Perth District Court on Sunday, March 3, for a sentence mention hearing.

Originally published as Richmond’s Marlion Pickett free to play in Opening Round despite facing serious charges in Perth