Former State of Origin footballer Carl Webb avoids jail after drunken rampage that 'terrified neighbours' in Cairns (original) (raw)

Former State of Origin footballer Carl Webb has been sentenced to 18 months' probation for "terrifying neighbours" while drunk.

Webb, 34, appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court charged with wilful damage and three counts of entering a dwelling with intent, after the incident in March.

Webb's lawyer Anderson Telford told the court his client – a father of three - was heavily intoxicated at the time of the offence and that his memory was patchy, following a "prolonged period of aggressive alcohol consumption".

He said Webb had shared a cab with several other people he did not know but when he arrived in his neighbourhood, became disorientated and began to panic.

The court heard he then tried to smash down the door of a house belonging to an off-duty police officer.

Webb then went to two more homes and jumped on the bonnet of a car at one.

"He was really scared and confused, he tried to determine where he was," Mr Telford said.

In one of the two victim impact statements handed to the court, one neighbour detailed how his wife and children had been forced to hide in their bathroom as Webb bashed down the front door.

Magistrate Anthony Gett said he had no doubt it was a "terrifying experience" for those involved.

"I have no doubt they experienced such feelings and emotions," he said.

"They say they indicated it was the most 'terrifying experience of their lives'."

Webb pens letter to victims

Mr Telford told the court Webb felt great remorse over what had happened, and wrote an apology letter to his victims in the days following the event.

The letter – a handwritten note – read:

To whom this may concern,

In relation to the incident that occurred on the night of Friday, the 30th of March at this address, in my attempt to apologise for what can only be described as an unexpected, senseless, traumatic event, for which you and your family experienced on Friday night, I can only begin to convey how profoundly sorry I am.

This letter is in no way an attempt to justify my completely unacceptable behaviour, more so an acknowledgement of pain and damage that I have caused.

I take full responsibility for my actions, and pray that you and your families have not been scarred by events which are completely out of character for me.

I hope you accept this letter as genuine.

If you would like to fast-track repairs to damage to your home/car I can be reached via (telephone number).

I am so very sorry for what I have done.

Mr Telford said Webb had lived a "bubble-type existence" while a professional football player, and had had some difficulties adjusting to life after he retired from rugby league in 2011 and that he had turned to alcohol to avoid "being alone" with himself.

He tendered a psychological evaluation and two references, including one from Webb's mining employer, MMG.

Mr Telford asked a conviction not be recorded against his client, because his work as a mining contractor was coming to an end, and that he had be looking for work in the same industry elsewhere.

The magistrate said Webb had made significant achievements in the sporting world and had gone on to form a career post-football.

"But life started to crumble after your football career," Mr Gett said.

"You found it difficult to be alone with yourself ... you turned to alcohol."

"You should feel rightfully ashamed of your behaviour."

He sentenced Webb to 18 months' probation, including an order for counselling.

He also ordered Webb pay a combined $2,417 for repair work to his neighbours' homes and car.

No conviction was recorded.

Webb was supported in court by his wife and several friends.