
AFL great accused of assaulting woman
Neil Elvis 'Nicky' Winmar, 59, beamed into the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with two counts of assault and one count of choking, strangling or suffocating a person without lawful excuse.
According to charge sheets released by the court, police allege the incident occurred on July 18.
The two-time All Australian footballer appeared wearing a blue jumper and glasses and spoke only to confirm he could see and hear the court.
His lawyer, Tessa Theocharous, told the court Mr Winmar was on bail for the allegations, with the matter listed for a bail review. Mr Winmar has not been required to enter pleas. Jake Nowakowski Credit: News Corp Australia
Ms Theocharous said the Court Integrated Services Program had provided an 'update letter' to the court and requested the case be adjourned to allow her client to 'fully engage in case management'.
'He has only fairly recently been placed on the (bail) program,' she said.
'There is a further appointment today at court, Your Honour, so that a more fulsome plan can be prepared and Mr Winmar can engage with that.'
An application to revoke Mr Winmar's bail was withdrawn by Victoria Police and his bail was extended until his next court date on August 28.
The AFL Hall of Fame inductee had a twelve-season career with St Kilda between 1987 and 1998, twice winning the club's best and fairest award.
The Indigenous footballer's iconic stand against racist abuse during the 1993 season was immortalised in bronze outside Optus Stadium in Perth six years ago.
The Western Australian lifted his jumper and pointed at his torso, declaring 'I'm black and I'm proud' after receiving abuse from Collingwood fans at Victoria Park.
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