Former Richmond premiership player Marlion Pickett has narrowly escaped an immediate prison term after confessing to his role in laundering more than $300,000 obtained from criminal activities.
A Suspended Sentence on a "Knife's Edge"
In the Perth District Court on Wednesday, Judge Laurence Levy handed down a two-year prison sentence to Pickett, which was fully suspended for a period of 12 months. The judge emphasised that the decision to keep Pickett out of jail was made by a "knife's edge". He issued a stern warning, stating that Pickett would "almost inevitably" be imprisoned if he committed another offence during the suspension period.
Pickett had previously entered guilty pleas to charges of possession and dealing with the proceeds of crime. These charges were a reduction from an initial slate of 12 offences laid against him in 2023, which were connected to a series of burglaries.
Struggles with Mental Health and Relapse Revealed
The court was presented with a detailed picture of the challenges Pickett faced at the time of the offences. Judge Levy acknowledged that Pickett's mental health was in a very poor state, exacerbated by unstable living conditions and his father's serious health issues. Pickett also admitted to relapsing into methamphetamine use at the end of 2022, while he was still an active player for the Richmond Tigers.
Pickett's extensive criminal history, documented in what was described as a "10-page" record, was also revealed. He had served time in prison from the age of 18 and had prior convictions for serious offences.
Path to Rehabilitation and High-Profile Support
Despite the serious nature of the crimes and his past, Judge Levy noted that Pickett had "demonstrated a commitment" to rehabilitation. The judge suggested that Pickett's journey could serve as an inspiration to others from similar backgrounds, highlighting what can be achieved.
This character assessment was supported by several notable references provided to the court. They included a statement from Brendon Gale, the former Richmond CEO and current head of the Tasmanian Devils, and from Paul Litherland, a former police officer and the 2022 WA Australian of the Year. Litherland, a cybersecurity expert who coached Pickett in his teenage years at South Fremantle Football Club, stood by the former player's side outside the court after the sentence was delivered.
Following the hearing, Pickett expressed gratitude to those who supported him. "I'd like to say thank you for the support, believing in me," he said.
Pickett's remarkable AFL debut in the 2019 grand final, where he played a starring role in Richmond's victory, made him a household name. He retired from the AFL at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
