No convictions for league great after altercation with police

Rugby league legend Trevor Gillmeister has blamed sports injuries on failing to follow police instructions after a disturbance at an inner-city bar.

The former Brisbane and Queensland player said on Monday he was in the “wrong place at the wrong time” when he was arrested over an incident at the Brisbane Stock Exchange Hotel.

The 61-year-old was told to “get on the ground” by police officers on November 14 but he allegedly did not comply and was charged with public nuisance, assaulting police and obstructing police.

Gillmeister was known as “The Axe” for his tough tackling style throughout his stellar playing career that spanned 10 years, including back-to-back championships with the Broncos.

Defense lawyer Nick Crawford said Gillmeister had undergone various surgeries, including multiple shoulder surgeries, for injuries sustained throughout his athletic career.

“He says that’s the main reason he ‘didn’t go down’ when he was being arrested,” Crawford said.

Crawford said Gillmeister acknowledged the facts of the case and confirmed he was arrested and placed on the ground.

Two of the charges were originally brought by Gillmeister, who was allegedly drunk at the time, citing aggravating circumstances.

But judge Anne Thacker lifted the aggravations after Crawford presented Gillmeister’s “significant community work over the past three decades, his age and his lack of any criminal history.”