COURT DISMISSES AFFRAY ALLEGATIONS
Dion Prestia, a three-time premiership player, and Steven May, a Melbourne premiership player, have been cleared of any involvement in a Boxing Day fight. Prosecutors on Friday morning withdrew all charges against the two AFL champions.
The decision came after prosecutors advised the charges were withdrawn at Frankston Magistrates Court, citing a lack of direct evidence. Investigators reportedly relied on "word-of-mouth evidence from two competing groups," with no footage of the alleged altercation. New witness interviews are understood to have raised doubts about the alleged brawl, leading to the charges being dismissed. The court also ordered legal costs to be paid.
Prestia had faced charges including recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, and affray. May was also charged over the incident. Both players appeared via video link.
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BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
The allegations stemmed from an incident on Boxing Day in 2024 at a Victorian coastal town, identified as Sorrento in some reports. The altercation reportedly involved two groups.
Mr. Hargreaves, who was representing one of the parties, refused to comment as he left court. Representatives for Richmond, Prestia's club, have also declined to comment.
The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting incidents where direct evidence, such as video footage, is absent, and reliance is placed on conflicting accounts.
