AFL players Dion Prestia and Steven May cleared over wild Sorrento brawl
Richmond footballer Dion Prestia and retired Demon defender Steven May have been cleared for a violent street fight in Sorrento that left two teenagers in hospital.
The pair appeared via video link at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where it was announced the charges against them had been withdrawn.
Prosecutors did not say why they dropped the case, but the pair repeatedly claimed they were not involved in the fight and would be cleared of any wrongdoing.
William Salter of Sorrento still cannot see in one eye after suffering injuries sustained in a clash between two groups in the early hours of December 27, 2024.
When Prestia and May went out to celebrate a fun night out on the Mornington Peninsula, their group encountered a group of locals on the street who they had previously been chatting to in a nearby pub.
Later, a fight broke out in a place where security cameras could not see.
May was charged with affray, and Prestia was charged with recklessly causing serious injury and affray.
Prestia and May were awarded costs for the aborted case, but their lawyers refused to comment outside court.
Storm Bobbridge pleaded guilty in February after being injured in the scuffle and was found guilty and fined $7,500.
May abruptly retired from the AFL in March following a period of personal leave. Prestia had to watch Richmond pick up their first win of the season from the bench when he suffered a calf injury minutes into last weekend’s game against West Coast.
More to come
Sherryn Groch is a journalist covering crime for The Age. Email her at s.groch@nine.com.au or contact her securely on Signal @SherrynG.70.Connect with: X or email.
