Former NRL star 'relieved' after cops drop weed and stolen cash charges
Share this @internewscast.com

A celebrated former NRL sprinter has been exonerated from accusations of drug possession and holding suspected stolen money, as police dropped the charges against him at the last moment.

James Roberts, 32, who has played over 160 NRL matches across five different clubs, entered a plea of not guilty concerning the possession of an illegal drug and suspected stolen items.

Police allege he had 0.3 grams of cannabis and $1400 in suspected stolen cash when he was pulled over on the morning of July 30, 2024.

James Roberts pleaded not guilty to possessing a prohibited drug and suspected stolen goods. (NRL Imagery)

However, the allegations against the 2015 Dally M center of the year were dismissed by authorities during a court session where he was meant to dispute these claims this morning.

Outside court, his lawyer Najee Makhoul said there had been no evidence to link the former NRL player to the offences.

Police assumed Roberts’ wad of cash was illegally obtained, but that was “just not the case at all”, Makhoul said.

The retired footballer received cash payments for NRL outings and appearances, and might withdraw funds from his bank, his lawyer said.

“That was the case here, and was just a wrong charge laid for the wrong reasons, and unfortunately he faced the consequences as a result,” Makhoul said.

The small amount of cannabis likewise couldn’t be linked to Roberts because it had been found in his passenger’s bag.

James Roberts on the attack for Wests Tigers.
The charges against James Roberts were withdrawn by police at a court hearing. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Roberts, who did not appear in court today, is looking forward to putting the ordeal behind him, Makhoul said.

“It’s a very fortunate outcome,” he said.

“(Roberts) is relieved, relieved for it to be done. He wants to continue with his life and move on.”

Nicknamed “Jimmy the Jet” for his speed, Roberts played for the Wests Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers, Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos across 12 seasons in the NRL.

He appeared in all three games for NSW in the team’s successful 2018 State of Origin campaign and played for the Indigenous All Stars and City Origin before retiring in 2022.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl was hit and run over by a dirt bike in Sydney's far south-west yesterday.

Search for Motorcyclist After Dirt Bike Incident Involving 9-Year-Old Girl

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl was…
Trump hand-picks Aussie politician turned 'alpha male' for diplomatic role

Trump Selects Former Australian Politician, Now ‘Alpha Male,’ for Diplomatic Position

A former Sydney councillor, who once faced suspension from the Liberal Party,…

Afghan Asylum Seeker Appeals to Australian Authorities to Halt Deportation

Nearly four years after being captured and tortured by the Taliban, Ahmad…

Tour de France: Pogacar Regains Lead with Impressive Stage Seven Performance

Tadej Pogacar won stage seven of the Tour de France to regain…
Man charged over alleged $20 million cocaine plot

Man Accused in Alleged $20 Million Cocaine Scheme

A man is set to appear in court later this year, following…
CCTV of a man who allegedly assaulted a woman and young child.

Surveillance Footage Captures Bold Attack on Woman and Child

A predator has been captured on video brazenly attacking a woman and…
Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash but ended up broke.

Sabrina Tried a Popular Side Hustle for Extra Cash, But It Ended Badly

Exclusive: Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash. Chloe* followed other local…
Second Australian city becomes million-dollar housing market

Another Major Australian City Enters the Million-Dollar Housing Club

Brisbane is now part of Australia’s million-dollar property markets, with median house…
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting

Trump Announces Plans to Make a ‘Significant’ Statement on Russia

Two days after complaining about Vladimir Putin’s “bulls—“, Donald Trump says he’s…

Exploring Australia’s Proposed Plan Against Antisemitism

Jillian Segal, Australia’s envoy on antisemitism, has put forth a strategy to…
A depiction of the new Frenchs Forest town centre.

Northern Sydney Suburb Revitalized: From Brick Pit to Lush Green Oasis

From early brick quarry grit and grime to a new green space,…
Police suspect AFL star's car was used in drive-by shooting

Authorities Believe AFL Player’s Car Involved in Drive-By Shooting

Exclusive: 9News can report that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, the Bulldogs star who is…