A bodybuilder who went viral five years ago as the buff security guard delivering the Brownlow Medal votes is now facing possible prison time.
Wesley Newell, 43, pleaded guilty to misconduct of a public official in the County Court of Victoria on Thursday after he smuggled tobacco, bodybuilding magazines, an ice pipe and screwdriver parts into Ravenhall prison while working as a prison officer.
Newell stole the show at the 2016 Brownlows while securely delivering the Armaguard suitcase of votes, with viewers more interested in the size of his biceps than the frocks and suits.
The court was told that he took a job as a correctional officer in 2018.
His lawyer Kyle McDonald said Newell was proud of his job and felt he was making a difference with inmates.
He also paid about $10,000 in rent over time for a domestic violence victim and a homeless person through a charity where he volunteered, the court was told.
But when he was strapped for cash last January after a relationship breakdown he took $11,200 from a prisoner to sneak in contraband.
“He was enticed, foolishly, by the prospect of easy money,” Mr McDonald said.
Newell used a protein shaker to hide the forbidden items and distribute them.
Prosecutor Lisa Andrews said prison officers were in a position of high responsibility and misconduct “has the potential to undermine the public trust”.
He will be sentenced on October 18.
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