Scotland avoids conviction for bar fight

Updated October 09, 2012 17:13:33

Carlton defender Heath Scotland has escaped conviction over a fight at a club in southern New South Wales.

Albury Local Court heard Scotland punched a man in the jaw at the Mulwala club in January, knocking him unconscious.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of occasioning actual bodily harm.

Scotland's lawyer told the court that a conviction would impede his client's goal of working for the fire brigade in Melbourne when he leaves football.

Magistrate Tony Murray said he was satisfied Scotland had shown remorse and he imposed a two-year behaviour bond.

"This is a very serious matter and Heath is well aware of the position of the club and the AFL to such incidents," Carlton general manager of football operations Andrew McKay said.

McKay said the club could not comment until the court proceedings had run their course.

"It was important to respect Heath's position in relation to this legal matter and as such we were unable to make comment or discuss possible club imposed sanctions until after the court hearing," he said.

"The club was disappointed in Heath not adhering to the behaviours that all players of the Carlton Football Club are expected to maintain and thus putting himself in a potentially vulnerable position.

"Following today's court hearing we are now in a position to determine an appropriate penalty."

Heath made the Blues aware of the incident at the time and McKay said Carlton kept the AFL informed of the matter.

"Heath has already completed over 25 hours of community work during 2012 and this will be taken into account when we determine the appropriate club imposed penalties," he said.

"We will discuss this with the AFL and the AFLPA and confirm with Heath before releasing any details of the club sanction."

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-3053, vic, australia

First posted October 09, 2012 16:27:29

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Blues' Carrazzo backs team-mate Scotland

Updated February 01, 2012 07:11:07

Carlton midfielder Andrew Carrazzo has backed team-mate Heath Scotland, who is under New South Wales Police scrutiny following an alleged brawl on the weekend.

Scotland has told Carlton officials he helped his brother when a fight broke out at a ski club at Mulwala on the New South Wales-Victoria border.

"He's doing well, you'd expect nothing else," Carrazzo said.

"He's been himself the last couple of days, so we're just going to back him in.

"We fully support Heath."

Carrazzo, Scotland and their team-mates attended a club promotion on Tuesday at Melbourne's famous Lygon St restaurant strip.

Carrazzo said the preseason was going well for the Blues, who aim to break into the top four this year.

Ruckmen Matthew Kreuzer and Shaun Hampson will again be crucial for Carlton.

"Just having a fit and able team - having Matty Kreuzer back for a full season is going to really help," Carrazzo said.

"Shauny Hampson as well, having him in there for a full season is going to really help ... just the general improvement across the board rather than additions we've had to the group."

It was revealed on Tuesday that Hampson had undergone laser surgery in the off-season to improve his eyesight.

Hampson was struggling to see the ball at long distances, especially during night games.

"'Hammer' is going to be really important for us this year, we need to build our stocks in the ruck and (up) forward and he definitely fits into that category," Carrazzo said.

The news also remains positive for captain Chris Judd, who has recovered well from shoulder surgery.

"He's going great guns, he's joined in some stuff at training and within the next week or two he'll be in full contact (work)," he said.

"He's going really well ... I expect him to play a couple of games in the pre-season."

Carrazzo is so far enjoying his life upheaval after wife Yvette gave birth to triplet girls earlier this month.

"It's been very unique, as I'm sure most people could identify with, but it's been good and exciting," he said.

"It's good to have something else going on in your life - footy can get a bit serious and a bit full-on a lot of the time and I'm really enjoying it so far."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-3053, vic, australia

First posted January 31, 2012 20:03:17

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Police silent on brawl link to AFL's Scotland

Updated January 30, 2012 11:30:31

Police will not confirm whether Carlton AFL player Heath Scotland was involved in a brawl at a club on the New South Wales-Victorian border.

A man was knocked out when he was king hit during the fight between two groups of men at the Mulwala Water Ski Club at the weekend.

Police say they are examining security camera footage as part of their inquiries.

The Carlton Football Club has not returned the ABC's calls.

Veteran midfielder Scotland has played more than 200 AFL games.

Tags: assault, police, sport, australian-football-league, mulwala-2647, yarrawonga-3730

First posted January 30, 2012 07:53:40

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Carlton's Scotland involved in brawl

Updated January 31, 2012 07:35:00

Carlton has confirmed midfielder Heath Scotland was involved in a brawl in the New South Wales-Victoria border town of Mulwala over the weekend that reportedly left a man unconscious.

NSW police are investigating the matter and Carlton said in a statement Scotland claimed he went to the aid of his brother who was being attacked by a number of people.

The Herald Sun has reported that security guards at the Mulwala Ski Club separated two brawling groups at 1:40am Sunday and police were called.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, mulwala-2647, nsw, australia

First posted January 30, 2012 15:24:18

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