Former champion jockey Danny Nikolic has fronted court, charged with breaking into a house to steal luxury items. Mr Nikolic, a one-time Caulfield Cup winner, is accused of attempting to break into a Carlton property with his friend Patrick Lennon on January 9. On Tuesday, prosecutor Michael Roper told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court that the value of the goods the men allegedly attempted to steal was $177,000.
Mr Roper said jewellery and a Toyota Hilux were among the items. Police said the men were arrested at the Berkeley Street property about 2am on January 9. A witness saw the alleged break-in and called triple-0.
The men were interviewed by police and charged with burglary and theft. Danny Nikolic and Patrick Lennon were arrested at the property they allegedly tried to break into in January. The case is likely to be shifted to the County Court, where more serious matters are heard, due to the value of goods.
On Tuesday, there was confusion in the courtroom when the Magistrate Belinda Wallington asked Mr Nikolic about the progress of unrelated assault charges he is facing. "The lawyers I had said the matter was resolved and they dropped the charges," Mr Nikolic said. However the magistrate said the charges were still in place and that he was on bail.
She told Mr Nikolic to seek legal advice about the assault case, which dates back to 2021. Mr Lennon, a former criminal lawyer, represented himself during the hearing wearing a hooded jumper with skulls, torn jeans and runne.
