He's been a great find as a footballer, a genuine talent. We all know he is terribly underated.
As I understand it, he committs an offence if he is in control of a vehicle (he doesnt have to actually drive it) unless a court gave him a specific order about other prohibited in-vehicle conduct. That would be in writing. He would know what that is.
The legislation itself defines serious traffic offences and that might be different from its description as used in the press. If it is the fourth offence he has committed per the legislation, hes in deep deep trouble, he's in way over his head. But I dont think thats the case ( I dont know specifically). I reckon its a press description.
The Police have indicated that they are reasonably confident of a conviction of some kind. The photos dont prove an offence per se but if anyone saw him drive, they are likely to be called as witnesses for the prosecution. The photo's could be exhibits I suppose, then there could be a question of relevency depending on the charge/s.
Journalists have been imprisoned for hiding their sources and witholding evidence. Freedom of the press in our modern society is a myth. You can tell a lawyer anything, but not a journo, nor a priest (father ted excepted of course!).
Now the courts dont like being snubbed, they like to be taken seriously. Thats their job, dish out punishment, discourage re-offending. Nobody is beyond the law as the late Rene Rivkin, politicians and many other footballers have found out.
With his 'form' the way it is, if he is charged and later convicted of a serious offence, he is likely to do some kind of time. Time of the full-time locked up variety. Maybe even up to two years if convicted by a local court-depending upon the charges and his history.
If convicted and then gaoled, he will have a very difficult time. Many a prisoner will be interested in seeing how they shape up against an elite athlete like Wes. Jail can be a violent and brutal place. It also reduces life-choices afterwards as people dont like to be associated with ex-prisoners-even if they were innocent. Judges have recently said that gangs have too much influence in gaol at the moment. Nobody comes out untouched, at least emotionally.
Its not the clubs fault at all, as when it gets down to it, they have absolutley no control over players. Influence yes, but not control. They are right not to comment. There is no need. The consequences are so serious that I think that they shouldnt even have an enquiry. They should leave it all up to the cops. If he is innocent, there is no charge the club itself should lay. No penalty is required.
Generally, we have to accept that many players dont think of the consequences of their actions. They are often easy prey to fame and fortune seekers.
I didnt see him do it, I dont know if he broke the law, so I will reserve my judgement. He has a right to be considerd as innocent until then.
As for the journalist, its been suggested before, who gives a rats about her. Not the footy show blokes anyway.
Already Wes has lost out, now he faces several days of worry and angst until the cops tell him what they want to do, unless they just front up and arrest him and take him away to 'assist with their enquries'.
He must feel very lonely at the moment. People are most likely distancing themselves, he may need to see a trained counsellor (innocent or not). He may even need higher order professional help to help him deal with the situation.
Innocent or guilty, he'd better not waste any time seeing a lawyer.
