BREAKING: Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell has admitted to breaching a court-imposed asset freeze by selling a racehorse and transferring $10,000 in cash to his former partner. This urgent development comes as Pannell faces serious legal repercussions following his guilty plea in the Melbourne Supreme Court earlier today.
Court documents reveal that Pannell was under strict orders from Justice Andrew Watson to refrain from selling any assets unless his total worth exceeded $8.7 million. Evidence presented in court confirmed that Pannell unlawfully sold the horse Aimee’s Jewel on March 2, 2022, while also providing cash to his ex-partner, Maree Wilke.
This breach of court orders has significant implications, as Pannell is already facing four charges related to financial misconduct during his time with SeaRoad Shipping. Pannell initially contested the horse sale charge, claiming he was not the owner. However, affidavits from key witnesses, including Matthew Scown, general manager of Yarraman Park, clearly established Pannell’s ownership of the horse, contradicting his assertions.
In a dramatic turn of events, Pannell changed his plea to guilty after hearing the evidence against him. “I think I’ll retract and change after hearing all that,” he told the court, marking a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond Pannell’s personal finances, raising questions about regulatory oversight and accountability in sports officiating. Pannell, who has officiated over 200 AFL games, gained notoriety in 2016 for awarding an unprecedented 17 free kicks to the Western Bulldogs in a single match.
Pannell is set to return to court on Tuesday to face sentencing, where the full extent of his penalties will be determined. This case highlights the critical nature of adhering to legal and ethical standards, particularly in positions of authority within sports.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
