In the early hours of December 27, 2024, a confrontation erupted in Sorrento, resulting in two men being hospitalized with injuries. Initially, police reported that two groups were involved in this altercation.
Dion Prestia, known for his impressive tenure as a three-time premiership player, faced charges including recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, and affray. Meanwhile, Steven May, who surprised the sports world with his abrupt retirement from the AFL in March despite a contract extending to 2026, was charged with affray.
In a turn of events, Magistrate Tony Burns decided to dismiss all charges against Prestia and May. This decision came after an application by defense lawyer Tony Hargreaves, who successfully argued for the footballers’ legal costs to be covered by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
During the brief court session, both May and Prestia only spoke to acknowledge their presence and express gratitude to the magistrate before being permitted to exit the proceedings.
He also ordered the footballers’ legal costs be paid by the Chief Commissioner of Police, following an application from defence lawyer Tony Hargreaves.
May and Prestia only spoke during the brief hearing to confirm they could hear the court and to thank the magistrate after he advised they could leave the link.
Hargreaves refused to comment on the outcome as he left court.
May and Prestia have consistently denied the allegations and the court was told in March that two other suspects were being interviewed.
There was no footage of the altercation and investigators were relying on word-of-mouth evidence from two competing groups, Turner previously told the court.
Prestia won three premierships for Richmond, and was awarded the club’s best-and-fairest in 2019.
May played for Melbourne in the 2021 premiership and is a dual All-Australian player.
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