Former Wallabies star Digby Ioane is facing allegations that he repeatedly threatened to kill a man over a supposed land deal in Samoa.
The 40-year-old allegedly became “obsessed” with the man and is accused of making threats to kill him between April 22nd and April 26th.
Ioane represented himself in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where he applied for bail.
He told Magistrate Anne Thacker that his mother owned significant land in Samoa, and the case related to a “massive deal” he had concerns about.
Ioane’s older brother, Sala, who spoke on his behalf, told the court that he wanted Ioane to be assessed for mental health concerns, particularly in relation to head knocks sustained during his rugby career, but this had not yet happened.
Magistrate Thacker said the prosecution opposed Ioane’s bail, fearing he may not behave appropriately if released.
His brother said Ioane would not “kill a fly”, as he had grown up with him and travelled with him during his career.
The court heard that Ioane had been hospitalised but has since been discharged.
In handing down her decision, Magistrate Thacker said the evidence against Ioane appeared to be too serious to take the risk of releasing him on bail.
Ioane’s case has been adjourned until June 8th.
Ioane played 35 Test matches for the Wallabies between 2007 and 2013, before signing a two-year deal worth AU$1.2 million a year with Stade Français for the 2013–2014 season.
Ioane, who is of Samoan heritage, was born in New Zealand and moved to Melbourne at the age of two, before later relocating to Brisbane, where he attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
