AFL players Dion Prestia and Steven May cleared over wild Sorrento brawl
Richmond footballer Dion Prestia and retired Demon defender Steven May have been cleared over a wild street brawl in Sorrento that left two young men in hospital.
The pair appeared via videolink in Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Friday where it was announced charges against them were being withdrawn.
Prosecutors did not say why they were dropping the case, but the pair have both repeatedly claimed they were not involved in the fracas in the early hours of December 27, 2024.
Sorrento local William Salter, who is still unable to see out of one eye following injuries sustained in the brawl, told this masthead on Friday that he was devastated as prosecutors dropped the case and costs were awarded to Prestia and May.
The young tradie said he had been trying to defend his friend during the late-night incident, and his life had been forever changed by it. “Devastated is an understatement,” Salter said.
Prestia and May had been out celebrating a buck’s night on the Mornington Peninsula when their group came across locals on the street they had earlier exchanged words with at a nearby pub.
A scuffle then broke out, away from the sight of any CCTV cameras.
May had been charged with affray and Prestia with recklessly causing serious injury and affray. Their lawyer declined to speak to the media outside court on Friday, after both men were awarded costs unopposed.
Another man Storm Bobridge pleaded guilty in February to affray after being injured in the brawl and was convicted and fined $7500.
May retired suddenly from the AFL in March, following a period of personal leave. Prestia had to watch Richmond notch up their first victory for the season from the bench last weekend when he suffered a calf injury minutes into the game against West Coast.
May’s management and Prestia’s club have been contacted for comment.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Sherryn Groch is a journalist at The Age covering crime. Email her at s.groch@nine.com.au or contact her securely on Signal @SherrynG.70Connect via X or email.