Black Saturday bushfire appeal dudded Kate Jones
Herald Sun January 08, 2010 FORMER AFL star Justin Murphy failed to donate cash to the Black Saturday bushfire appeal as part of a court penalty for theft.
Murphy, who made his name at Essendon and Carlton, was arrested for stealing a purse from the counter of a Williamstown bank while waiting to make a transaction in 2008.
Last year he was ordered by a magistrate to pay $400 into the bushfire appeal, but Heidelberg Magistrates' Court was told yesterday that Murphy, 33, had not made the payment.
Outside court, an aggressive Murphy threatened a Herald Sun photographer, saying several times he would "punch his face in" and "smash his camera".
Murphy, who also played for Richmond and Geelong in his 11-year AFL career, told the court he tried to pay the sum but received conflicting information from court staff.
Magistrate Brian Barrow ordered Murphy to pay the $400 yesterday, but the bushfire appeal has closed so it must now be made to the Heidelberg CFA.
Mr Barrow told Murphy the donation, which is part of the court diversion system, must be made before January 12 or a warrant would be issued for his arrest.
"The diversion program is there to enable people ... to pay something back into the community," Mr Barrow said.
"The community benefits from your contribution to the Heidelberg CFA and with the fire season upon us, heaven knows we need it."
Court documents reveal Murphy stole Raimonda Krogmann's purse after she left it unattended at the NAB branch in August 2008.
After pocketing the purse, Murphy waited in line before making a transaction with a teller, the documents show.
He then took $300 in cash and dumped the purse in a bin. The documents reveal Murphy made no attempt to return the purse.
He was arrested by police in November 2008 and charged with two counts of theft.
Murphy's playing and coaching career at the Heidelberg Football Club may now be in jeopardy.
President Trevor Barrot said he was unaware of the charges against Murphy, who he said was an integral part of the club.
"It's very disappointing," he said. "We would have to have a chat to him about what's been going on in his life."
Murphy's court case was adjourned to a later date.
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