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Code-hopping sports star Karmichael Hunt has pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing cocaine and has been fined $2,500 by the court.
The 28-year-old Queensland Reds player entered his plea in Southport Magistrates Court earlier today, and no conviction will be recorded against him.
Hunt said the following outside the court.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for myself and my family.
“We’re just looking to putting this… process behind us and moving on.”
Hunt has pleaded guilty to four charges of possessing cocaine, with original charges of supply being downgraded by the police.
Wayne Bennett was one of several people who gave character references for Hunt.
As revealed by The Roar two weeks ago, Hunt was caught in possession of a small amount of the drug towards the end of last year, before he was contracted by the Reds.
He paid $1100 for 3.5 grams of the drug on three occasions, and on the fourth he bought two grams.
The original supply charge was on the basis that he then allegedly distributed it among his friends.
Police alleged Hunt arranged to pick up drugs with suspected drug trafficking kingpin and former professional rugby league player John Touma on four occasions from September 1 to October 3.
Hunt’s lawyer Alastair McDougall said the facts alleged by police weren’t in dispute and his client had made poor choices.
He said the footballer would pay for those choices for the rest of his life.
“My client accepts he made very poor choices for which he will be paying for those poor choice for the rest if his life”.
Mr McDougall said the incident could be attributed to a “misguided post-season celebration”.
He said that Hunt had come to terms with the punishment, and was honest with himself about his actions.
“As he said, it’s very easy to deal with an issue when you tell yourself the truth.”
It’s alleged Hunt purchased a total of 12.5 grams of cocaine on the four occasions.
The question for Hunt now becomes what happens to his fledgling Super Rugby career, where he has played one game for the Queensland Reds.
Gold Coast Titans players Beau Falloon and Jamie Dowling have had their cases adjourned until May 8.
Fellow Titans Greg Bird, Dave Taylor and Kalifa Faifai Loa are expected to face court on Monday along with former teammates Ashley Harrison and Joe Vickery.
The Roar has contacted the Reds for comment.
With AAP
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