Ex- Tiger faces court on threat over debt
FORMER Richmond footballer Jake King appeared in court yesterday accused of threatening to shoot a man over a $ 150,000 debt.
It is alleged King gave his victim a one- month deadline to repay the money before threatening to take the matter into his own hands in July.
King is facing charges over an alleged incident outside Crown Casino involving the business partner of Hawthorn player Tyrone Vickery, who also announced his retirement from the AFL yesterday.
It is understood King met Vickery’s business partner, Tony Mokdissi, in the foyer of Crown casino in a bid to retrieve the $ 150,000 debt.
Mr Mokdissi was named as one of several victims in charge sheets released publicly yesterday. It is alleged King made the violent threats at Southbank on May 29 in an attempt to scare Mr Mokdissi into paying up.
King is charged with extortion, threat to kill and two counts each of threatening to inflict serious injury and using a carriage service to harass.
King and childhood friend Vickery were arrested on July 5 over the extortion claims.
Vickery was released pending further investigation.
King appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday for a brief hearing.
His lawyer Geoffrey Steward told magistrate Franz Holzer of “fruitful” discussions with prosecutors over the matter.
“It’s hoped something tangible will arise,” Mr Steward said when asked about how the matter might progress. He said it was unlikely the matter would go to trial.