Queensland rugby league icon and television expert Trevor Gillmeister has walked away from court without a conviction after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer.
Guilty plea entered in Brisbane court
The 61-year-old former State of Origin hardman faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to all three charges stemming from an incident at the Stock Exchange Hotel on November 14. The charges related to an alleged physical struggle with officers during his arrest.
Police were initially alerted to a disturbance inside the venue by a member of the public on that Friday night. Authorities allege Gillmeister had been evicted from the hotel after an altercation with a staff member before the incident with police occurred.
"I know I've done wrong": Gillmeister's explanation
In court, Gillmeister explained his actions, citing the physical toll of his storied football career. He stated the reason he did not comply immediately with police requests to get on the ground was due to injuries sustained over years of professional sport.
"I know I'm a good person, deep down, so I know I've done wrong," Gillmeister said outside court. He openly acknowledged the role alcohol played in the event. "There was alcohol involved, there's no doubt about that."
The former prop also revealed he had faced significant repercussions at home. "I've got plenty of lessons at home now, I can tell you, with my wife and two daughters," he admitted. "They've kicked me up the backside and rightfully so."
Outcome and a legendary career
Magistrate granted Gillmeister a three-month good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded. This outcome means the incident will not form part of his official criminal record.
Gillmeister's football legacy is substantial. He played 257 first-grade games, including 72 for the Brisbane Broncos during their formative years in the early 1990s. He was a key member of the Broncos' premiership-winning sides in 1992 and 1993.
Representing Queensland with distinction, he earned 22 State of Origin caps and also played three Tests for Australia. Following his retirement, he remained involved in the game as an assistant coach for the Queensland Origin team and later as a respected analyst for the Seven Network.
Concluding his remarks, the chastened league great offered well-wishes: "I wish everyone the best."
