Voss, Black escape conviction
02/10/2007 7:05 PM
Brisbane Lion Simon Black and former club champion Michael Voss have been ordered by a court to take part in a diversion program for their roles in a brawl at St Kilda's Prince of Wales Hotel on Grand Final eve last year.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court directed the pair to complete the program which means they will avoid having a conviction recorded against their names for admitting their responsibility in a first offence.
The police also recommended the pair's acceptance into the program.
The program will involve doing community work for ARBIAS – the Alcohol Related Brain Injury Australian Services organisation.
Magistrate Paul Smith said of Black: "This is a beneficial outcome for the community. Your behaviour was totally out of character. [You] are entitled to keep your good name intact."
Black has no prior convictions and defence lawyer Michael Bosscher said his client had already made significant contributions to the community through his volunteer work.
Brisbane Lions Club Chairman Tony Kelly said he was disappointed at having a Lions player appearing before the court.
"But I know that Simon’s high profile and standing within the community will certainly assist the great work provided by ARBIAS in his Diversion Program."
Two other former AFL players, Fraser Gehrig and Steven Lawrence are expected to face court next month on matters relating to the same incident.