Fishing pair to stand trial after pleading guilty

[Catchin Jack]

THE long-term footballing future of Panmure full-forward Gary Robinson remains in doubt after he yesterday pleaded guilty to two serious criminal charges.

The case against professional fisherman Gary James Robinson, 34, of Mahoneys Road, Killarney, has been adjourned until July 30, just two games before the start of the Warrnambool and District league finals.

Maximum penalties for the charges Mr Robinson faces include jail terms.

The professional fisherman and fishing licence/quota holder Roderick McDonald, of Dougherties Road, Portland, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday for a committal hearing.

After lengthy negotiations both men were committed to stand trial in the next sitting of Warrnambool County Court starting on July 30.

They had their bail extended until then with the condition they remain living at their addresses.

Fisheries officers will allege that Mr Robinson operates a crab and rock lobster licence on behalf of licence holder Mr McDonald.

Previously fisheries officers told court they had seized 291 pots west of King Island with the assistance of Mr Robinson.

It is understood Mr McDonald's licence was for just for 40 pots at the time of offences between December 2010 and April 2011.

Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt yesterday told both men they faced two serious charges of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime as well as a large number of fisheries offences.

When asked Mr Robinson and Mr McDonald both entered guilty pleas to the two serious charges.

Mr Robinson still faces a large number of other fisheries offences which could be covered by representative counts if negotiations between the fisheries prosecutor and defence counsel are fruitful.

The full-forward has kicked 37 goals in just five games for boom side Panmure this season in a sensational return to football after a couple of seasons on the sidelines.

He previous finished runner-up in the Hampden league goalkicking.

Mr McDonald also faces 39 other charges which at this stage will also be heard in the county court, although it is expected most of those charges will also be withdrawn and covered by representative counts.

Obtained from "The Standard" newspaper.