Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell jailed over contempt of court charges
Pannell, who until recently had several warrants out for his arrest and dodged court hearings for months, is being pursued by his former employer, SeaRoad Shipping, after being accused of ripping the company off in a decade-long $8.7 million fraud scheme.
Earlier this month, the 48-year-old pleaded guilty to six contempt of court charges at the Victorian Supreme Court, including failing to comply with his obligation to make asset disclosure affidavits pursuant to a freezing order and selling shares in a racehorse, Aimee's Jewel, to a friend, Maree Wilke, while the freezing order was imposed.
On Wednesday, Justice Andrew Watson sentenced Pannell to 11 weeks' jail, 54 days of which he has already served in custody, meaning he will walk free in less than month.
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Watson said Pannell had expressed remorse over his behaviour and struggled with mental health issues, but the former umpire had shown little insight into the seriousness of his conduct.
'Mr Pannell's culpability is high,' Watson said. 'There is a need for general deterrence and denunciation in the sentence I pass, in order to deter others from similarly breaching the court's orders.'
The court heard that Pannell had told Wilke what to say to lawyers and fraudulently signed her name on paperwork to create a 'false narrative' that the horse was sold to her for only $6000 last year.
'Pannell's contempts were serious and showed disregard for the court order,' Watson said.
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The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Premiership window slammed shut for Goodwin after '21
The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterglow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell. The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterglow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell. The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterglow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
Premiership window slammed shut for Goodwin after '21
The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand final. Likewise, four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterflow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but club president Kate Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell.
Herald Sun
12 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Simon Goodwin sacked by Melbourne Demons after weeks of turmoil
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says he is 'disappointed' after he was sacked by the Demons on Monday night in a turn of events few saw coming. The axe was swung so quickly that the playing group was not even made aware of the news before it was leaked through the press on Tuesday morning. The premiership winning coach had a checkered past while in charge which saw him hit with allegations of inappropriate conduct along with accusations he used 'illicit substances'. Goodwin was contracted through to the end of the 2026 season, however, the club determined they wanted a change made instantly. According to Code Sports, he will receive a one-million dollar payout as part of the contract termination. The 48-year-old coach and club president Brad Green fronted a media conference on Tuesday afternoon. Never miss the latest sports news from Australia and around the world — download the app direct to your phone. Goodwin, who led the club to its first premiership in 57 years, said: 'I'm disappointed because I think we're a hell of a lot closer to turning our club and team back into a contender again than what people think. 'I'm disappointed I won't be able to work with this great bunch of players I know we've developed and spent a lot of time developing.' He confirmed he was given the offer of coaching through to the end of the season, but rejected the deal. Green said assistant coach Troy Chaplin will step in as caretaker coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. Goodwin 'got it wrong' behind the scenes Goodwin had found himself on an increasingly hot seat with the Demons languishing in the lower half of the ladder with a 7-13 record. But most would have assumed his job was safe coming off an 83-point win over the Eagles on Saturday. Despite all the growing noise, Goodwin was adamant he had the backing of the board in the wake of the club's historic loss to St Kilda two weeks ago. 'I feel incredibly supported by the board,' he said at the time. He said with a smile on Tuesday that he 'obviously got that wrong'. Green said players were 'hurting' after hearing the news. 'I spoke to the playing group an hour ago. They're obviously disappointed,' he said. 'I've been in that position. I was a player. It's tough. They would be hurting. Simon's a premiership coach. He's a terrific person. They have the utmost respect for Simon.' Coach cuts off boss in middle of conference Goodwin had reporters laughing when he cut Green off as the president was responding to a question. The veteran coach leaned backwards in his chair and grimaced when Green was asked bluntly if the Round 20 loss to the Saints was the reason Goodwin had been sacked. As Green began his response, Goodwin, in mock anguish said, 'Bloody Nasiah, hey'. Saints star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was unstoppable in the Saints' extraordinary comeback win and kicked the match-winning goal. Green eventually said: 'That didn't have any bearing on the outcome, no'. Goodwin said he was not blindsided, despite the huge win over the Eagles just a few days ago. 'I did mention to Gawny (captain Max Gawn) I don't think any coach has been sacked after an 83 point win,' he said. Club legend 'absolutely stunned' Club great Garry Lyon was 'shocked' to learn of Goodwin's axing after being informed live on air Tuesday morning. 'I'm stunned, shocked, totally shocked,' Lyon said on SEN Breakfast. 'I had no heads up on this whatsoever. Absolutely just shocked, I can't get my head around it. 'He won't be coaching a farewell game, that's something I can promise you.' Lyon believed a call on Goodwin's future wouldn't be made until the end of the season before praising Goodwin as a hero for guiding the club to a drought-breaking premiership. 'I'm absolutely stunned. I thought there would be a long review at the end of this year and then determine whether he would coach out his final year,' he added. 'Premiership coaches are pretty rare at the Melbourne footy club. He's one of four. 'He will be a hero of this football club forever and a day, but that obviously doesn't guarantee your tenure. 'This is a massive call.' The club are facing an uncertain offseason with several star players finding themselves in swirling trade rumours. Clayton Oliver was reportedly halfway out the door at the end of the 2024 season and is expected to once again find himself in the thick of trade talks. Fellow midfield superstar Christian Petracca also contemplated a trade away from the club last season before ultimately staying put. But with another lacklustre season in the books, rumours are already ramping up that the 29-year-old could be eyeing off greener pastures. 'Is the writing on the wall for Christian Petracca at Melbourne?,' Jay Clark posed on Fox Footy's The First Crack. 'It doesn't feel like there's a (trade) market for Clayton Oliver at the moment and Jack Viney is a Demon for life. Petracca is the one who has been frozen out. 'Can he accept he could be more of a permanent forward at Melbourne as the new era settles in? Like Toby Greene. Or does he at 29 years of age still think he can be that superstar on-baller? 'Because if he does, maybe that has to be at another club. We talked a lot about Collingwood and Carlton last year, is the best fit for him Hawthorn?' Melbourne will finish the 2025 season with games against the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Collingwood. The club has yet to announce who will take over as caretaker coach for the remaining games. TIMELINE OF SIMON GOODWIN OFF-FIELD ISSUES - February 2021: Melbourne directors hold discussions with AFL leaders including former chief executive Gillon McLachlan and chairman Richard Goyder about concerns over Goodwin's conduct and club culture. Goodwin denies accusations he used 'illicit substances'. - Mixed reports from 2018 to 2021 detail allegations that Goodwin engaged in off field misconduct including drinking and gambling with players. He is also accused of inappropriate behaviour while drinking with players at a pub on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula. February 2022: It is revealed via legal documents that in 2020 Goodwin had an X rated rant towards Dr Zeeshan Arain over concussion management involving Angus Brayshaw. Dr Arain was reportedly sacked in October 2020 days after lodging concerns with CEO Gary Pert over the club's culture. It's believed he received six-figure payout for his legal claims of alleged bullying incidents involving Goodwin. October 2023: Goodwin again denies he has any off-field behavioural issues. Clayton Oliver is accused of bending windscreen wipers on parked cars and it is seen as further evidence of a poor culture at the club. March 2024: Independent MP Andrew Wilkie uses parliamentary privilege to make accusations of serious misconduct against the AFL and the Melbourne Demons. Arain gives testimony the AFL conducted illicit drug tests to help players avoid being detected on game days. July 2025: After spiralling down the AFL ladder and with serious concern superstar Christian Petracca may request to leave the club, the Demons' board of directors consider terminating Goodwin's contract. Originally published as 'Bloody Nasiah': Simon Goodwin's parting shot as Demons axe coach
