Former A-League Footballer Faces Jail Time for Crime Spree: Theft, Drugs & Driving Offences
A former A-League footballer, Troy Hearfield, has been sentenced to jail following a crime spree involving thefts, drug possession, and driving offences. Hearfield, 36, was once a regular player in the A-League, representing teams such as the Newcastle Jets, Wellington Phoenix, and Central Coast Mariners. He even had the privilege of representing Australia at the U-20 and U-23 levels.
However, Hearfield’s life has taken a downward spiral, and it has culminated in a jail sentence that was handed to him on Thursday. The former right back was captured on CCTV wheeling a pram covered with a blanket at Bunnings Bennetts Green, near Newcastle, on April 21. Inside the pram, he had concealed a Makita chainsaw and drill. While he did pay for some items at the checkout, he neglected to pay for the power tools.
A few months later, on July 25, Hearfield was caught on CCTV stealing a bottle of ‘Atomic enhancing pills’ worth $190 from the Flirt adult store in Port Macquarie. Furthermore, he accumulated a number of driving charges after leaving the adult shop, which ultimately led to his disqualification from driving. However, he was seen driving into a hotel car park a week later, and again on September 21 at Sandy Beach.
In relation to outstanding warrants, Hearfield was later arrested, and during the arrest, officers discovered him in possession of a small bag containing 1.35 grams of methylamphetamine. His lawyer, Lachlan Jackson-Porter, informed the Coffs Harbour Local Court that this was Hearfield’s first time behind bars, and that he had already been in custody for a number of weeks. Jackson-Porter explained that Hearfield has struggled since being released by the Mariners eight years ago due to off-field issues, and also mentioned that his father suffered a heart attack in June.
The court also learned that Hearfield has a job lined up with Transport for NSW, but he would be regularly tested for drugs in his new position. Hearfield pleaded guilty to larceny valued at less than $2000, shoplifting, possessing a prohibited drug, and three counts of driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period.
As a result, Hearfield was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with a non-parole period of seven months. Magistrate Theresa Hamilton emphasized that Hearfield has consistently disregarded court orders and highlighted his poor history of disqualified driving. Hearfield will be eligible for release on May 21 next year.
This recent development serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, and the consequences of making poor choices. Troy Hearfield, once a promising football player, now finds himself facing the consequences of a crime spree involving theft, drugs, and driving offences. While it is unfortunate to witness the downfall of a former athlete, it is important for society to hold individuals accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served.
