http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...ger-glenn-munsie/story-e6freuy9-1226027053614
Alleged threats...John Elias. Picture: Anthony Reginato
Source: The Daily Telegraph
RUGBY league identity John Elias spent last night in jail after allegedly sending threatening messages to TAB Sportsbet media manager Glenn Munsie.
In a dramatic twist to the NRL betting sting investigation, police yesterday charged Elias for allegedly sending messages to Munsie. It is unclear if the alleged messages came from Elias's phone.
He was refused bail and will appear at Bankstown Local Court today where he is expected to deny the latest charges.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Munsie allegedly told police a message had labelled him "a maggot" and claimed he had "lived off people's misery all your life".
When contacted yesterday, a clearly agitated Munsie said: "Absolutely no comment ... absolutely no comment."
TAB Sportsbet managing director Craig Nugent also refused to elaborate on the allegations. "We will not be offering a comment on the matter, it is with the police," Nugent said. When asked if he could confirm that the alleged threats were made against Munsie, Nugent added: "No comment."
Police arrested Elias yesterday just after 2pm at Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with breach of bail relating to contact made with a witness in the investigation.
Elias was refused bail and spent the night locked up but is scheduled to appear at Banks- town Local Court today.
A former rugby league first grader, Elias was also charged yesterday with two counts of "use carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence".
He was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on April 7.
Yesterday's arrest continues the ongoing investigations by Strike Force Suburb detectives attached to the State Crime Commands Casino and Racing Investigation Unit.
The Strike Force was established last year to investigate alleged illegal betting activity surrounding the round 24 NRL match between the Bulldogs and the Cowboys.
On August 21 last year bookmakers suspended betting on the NRL match after the Cowboys were backed in from $13 to $7 to score first with the usually less fancied option of a penalty goal.
Bulldogs prop Ryan Tandy conceded a penalty in front of the posts just two minutes into the game, but the Cowboys took a tap kick and scored a try as their first scoring play - foiling the alleged betting sting. The NRL began an inquiry into the irregularities in the exotic betting market on the game with NSW Racing chief steward Ray Murrihy called in to question bookies.
The inquiry became a police investigation on August 31.
Tandy has denied any wrongdoing. He has since been sacked by the Canterbury club.
