Controversial Collingwood midfielder Jordan De Goey has pleaded guilty to a singular harassment charge that was levelled following his involvement in a New York City bar fight in October of last year.
Speaking via a video link hearing in the Manhatten Criminal Court, the 25-year-old admitted his guilt to the charge of harassment in the second degree.
As stated by The Herald Sun, De Goey's lawyer, Jacob Kaplan, explained to the presiding Judge Martinez Alonso that his client was withdrawing his previous not guilty plea to charges of assault and harassment.
Given the second degree charge is deemed to be a violation rather than a criminal charge in the eyes of New York state law, De Goey avoided both a custodial sentence and a fine but was instead ordered to undergo anger management and alcohol therapy sessions.
When speaking to Judge Alonso on Friday afternoon EDT, the Oakleigh Chargers product stated that it was "correct" that he had threatened and "struck another individual" during a brawl at the Dream Hotel on October 31st.
After being prompted for further comment, De Goey added: “I would like to apologise for my actions and I appreciate the process going forward."
The impending free-agent will now be expected to undertake a minimum of 10 therapy sessions that will reportedly centre around his issues with alcohol and anger.
Collingwood has also stipulated that De Goey continue meeting with club psychologists as per the agreement that allowed the tattooed midfielder to return to training at the Holden Centre last week.
Speaking outside of the New York courtroom following the hearing, Mr. Kaplan explained that the decision to enter a secondary plea had been made after reviewing CCTV footage supplied by the West 16th Street venue.
“Showing them what actually happened … not just what the complaint was … showing them what really transpired and based on that they were willing to reduce the charges and offer a violation which is not a crime in the US,” Kaplan said.
“It showed that what the victim said happened didn’t really happen."
While a stipulation of the agreement meant that De Goey would need to remain free from arrest for the next 12-months, Mr. Kaplan claimed that this would not be a problem for his client.
“He has 10 sessions to complete focusing on behavioural issues … once that’s been done we will write a letter to the court from the therapist showing that’s been done … and the case is over," he stated bluntly.
Prior to these charges laid in the latter months of last year, De Goey had previously been embroiled in incidents related to fighting, drunk driving and a Victorian Police inquiry into indecent assault claims.
