Possible jail time for border jumpers who snuck into AFL Grand Final
Two Melbourne socialites have been arrested in Western Australia following a state-wide manhunt on Monday night, with the pair facing accusations of sneaking into Perth for the AFL Grand Final.
The Melbourne Demons fans came from Victoria - which is currently battling through a wave of COVID infections - and have been charged with failure to comply with directions.
Hayden Burbank and Mark Babbage were found near Margaret River on Tuesday and have been arrested over claims they’ve broken COVID-19 rules in three states.
Burbank first came to the attention of police after being spotted in a photo of the grand final on AFL’s official Instagram account.
Hayden Burbank (left) spotted celebrating with Demons players. Image: Channel 7
The men were seen laughing, shaking hands, and posing for photos with Demons players and the coach.
One has returned a negative COVID-19 test result, while the second man’s result was inconclusive, prompting a second test on Tuesday night.
Health protocols are being put in place in the areas where the pair were following their arrival in WA.
Police allege the pair left Melbourne on September 14, stayed in Darwin, and then flew to Perth on September 22.
The men allegedly falsified their application for G2G passes to enter WA, after providing Northern Territory driver’s licence papers and other supporting documentation.
Since the Northern Territory is classified as a low-risk border, no exemption was needed.
But, WA Police now allege the driver’s licence papers were false.
Police received an anonymous tip-off on September 27 that the men were in Victoria 14 days before their arrival in WA.
The two men were spotted celebrating at the AFL Grand Final. Image: 7NEWS
The authorities also claim the pair didn’t complete a full 14-day quarantine after travelling from Melbourne.
“To say this is a disappointment is an understatement,” WA vaccine commissioner Chris Dawson said.
“How people can knowingly put people at risk in these times is selfish and contemptible.”
Both men will appear in a Perth court on Wednesday, facing a maximum penalty of $50,000 or 12 months jail if found guilty of COVID breach charges.
Northern Territory Police have said regional Victoria was not a hotspot at the time the men arrived in Darwin, but that they are investigating the information the two men provided when they entered the NT.
Image: @afl / Instagram