A man accused of making death threats against an AFL player has been unmasked and photographed outside of court for the first time.
Jack Sullivan, 31, is accused of having sent a series of death threats to Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine on September 8 last year.
He was arrested and charged with using a carriage service in an offensive manner after being arrested on December 8 and appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday, March 13.
But speaking as he left court, Mr Sullivan denied he had sent the messages and vowed to fight the charges brought against him.
Asked by journalists whether he would be fighting the charges, he said: “Yes.”
And asked whether he had anything to say to Rankine, he replied: “No.”
Asked which team he supports he said: “I don’t really go for anybody.”
It is alleged that Mr Sullivan, of Port Adelaide, made the threats to Rankine via social media from an address in Kensington Gardens.
It came just four days after the Crows lost a home qualifying final clash to Collingwood, while Rankin was serving a suspension for making a homophobic slur.
But Mr Sullivan insisted he had no part in sending messages to the 25-year-old.
He previously appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on January 30 and was bailed following a brief first appearance.
And Friday’s appearance was even briefer, with the case immediately adjourned until Friday, April 24.
Following his initial arrest, a statement from Adelaide Crows stated two of its players were recipients of abuse on social media.
It read: “Adelaide can confirm two of its players were subject to direct and significant threats on a social media platform.
“Subsequently, reports were made to South Australia Police in September which prompted investigations.
“The AFL Integrity Unit was advised of the matters and both players have been provided with the necessary and ongoing support.
“Any form of online abuse, discrimination or threatening behaviour is unacceptable and it has no place in our society.”
The charges brought against Mr Sullivan only relate to Rankine.
