An arrest warrant has been issued for a former AFL powerbroker after he failed to appear on fraud charges.
Ricky Nixon, 60, was due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, but by 3.15pm he had not appeared or contacted the court to explain his absence.
Mr Nixon was charged with 10 offences in November last year, following a police investigation into the alleged sale of fraudulent commemorative merchandise.
Watch Australia v West Indies on Kayo Sports. Every Test, ODI and T20I Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
The alleged fraud related to 10 footballs purportedly signed by members of the Melbourne Demons following their historic premiership win in 2021.
According to charge sheets, Mr Nixon allegedly forged the signatures of players which he then flogged for $595 each.
In court Magistrate James Henderson said Mr Nixon had been issued a summons to appear on the “serious charges”.
“Having failed to appear by 3.15pm, I’m minded to issue a warrant,” he said.
Police will now seek to bring Mr Nixon before the court as soon as possible.
A former player in the Victorian Football League and Australian Football League, Mr Nixon used his position in the sport to pursue a career as a sports agent.
Through his company Flying Start, he rose to become a powerful figure in the AFL before he was suspended in 2011.
