UPDATE 2.13pm: ESSENDON rookie Michael Hibberd has apologised for his role in a late-night assault on the Mornington Peninsula that resulted in him being fined $2500 but avoid a conviction. Hibberd, 21, was suspended indefinitely in August for breaching team protocol after the late-night altercation.
He was later charged with assault.
The court heard today Hibberd was of fine character and had taken numerous steps to resolve the matter.
They included written and personal apologies to the victim, a series of psychological assessments and involvement in a community welfare program.
At a mention hearing at the Frankston Magistrates court the court heard Hibberd had been to a Thai restaurant on the Mornington Peninsula with his girlfriend before heading to a popular nightspot.
The incident unfolded when Hibberd entered a Subway restaurant on Main St, Mornington, about 3.10am on July 31.
A police prosecutor said Hibberd entered the restaurant and yelled at victims Jessica Lewis and Tom Burton and some of their friends.
"What are you c***s looking at, shut your clams," he yelled.
An altercation then occurred between Hibberd and Ms Lewis before security guards from a nearby pub approached Hibberd and told him to leave.
About 10 minutes later the parties met again on Main St.
"The accused approached Lewis, stepped around her and launched himself at Burton, punching him in the face with a clenched fist," a police prosecutor said.
Mr Burton fell to the ground and hit his head on the concrete.
The court heard Mr Burton could not remember the incident when he woke up in Frankston Hospital the next morning.
He suffered a cut to the mouth and a sore jaw.
Hibberd, who said he was intoxicated and could not remember the incident, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury and assault.
Defence lawyer Geoffrey Steward told the court Hibberd had lost approximately $20,000 in earnings after being suspended by Essendon.
He said the incident was minor and that Hibberd had acted in a "moment of madness".
But the magistrate disagreed with the submission.
"I don't see this as minor.
"It's either take this situation seriously or you face the prospect if serving time in prison."
Hibberd, flanked by an entourage of Essendon Football Club officials, refused to talk to the media as he left the court.
In a statement released by the club later, Hibberd said he was extremely remorseful for his actions and has offered a verbal and written apology to those involved.
“I would like to apologise for my actions and the effect they have had on everyone involved,” Hibberd said.
“I deeply regret my behaviour - it was unacceptable and I will learn from these events to ensure something of this nature never happens again.
“I now look forward to working hard over the pre-season and earning back my spot in the senior team.”
heraldsun.com.au 14 Sep 2011
Another moronic footballer in the spotlight for assault, without ANY conviction.
The football God's rule again, with the help of corrupt judges.
Comments from the masses on heraldsun's website:
I reckon that about 30 AFL and NRL players have been up on criminal charges in the last 3 years. About zero have been convicted and sentenced. If they are found guilty no conviction recorded. It certainly doesn't happen with Mr. Ordinary
Either he did it or he didn't, if he did, why is he not convicted! Fined, so he did the deed, record a conviction.
Not good enough! Everybody is sick of the constant binge drinking and related violence in the community and especially on The Peninsula. Now The Mornington Shire have just approved a backpakers venue with a roof top bar! Go figure.
My son was convicted with his first offence, but then he doesn't play for the AFL. He didn't hit anyone either.
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