Key text messages and emails sent by Scott Pendlebury could prove costly in a court feud with his former business partner.
Collingwood champion Pendlebury accused his former manager and long-time friend, Jason Sourasis, of misappropriating more than $2 million from his investment accounts.
In a writ filed in October, Pendlebury alleged Sourasis transferred $2,148,900 million “without his knowledge” — a large portion of which into an account linked to A-Leagues club Western United.
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But in key documents filed in Victoria’s Supreme Court, emails and WhatsApp messages allegedly state the 37-year-old Magpies stalwart was “happy to roll” his investments into Western, per the Herald Sun.
The club lost its licence to play in the competition this year amid protracted financial turmoil and other off-field issues, though it’s publicly stated its aim to return to the league next season.
Pendlebury’s share in the soccer outfit was said to be worth up to $4.3 million.
“Awesome! This is elite”, Pendlebury said in a WhatsApp message replying to investment details, reports the Herald Sun.
Scott Pendlebury accused his former manager and friend Jason Sourasis of misappropriating more than $2 million. (Photo by Michael Willson.)Source: Getty Images
And in an email regarding the Western United investment from February 19, 2019, per the Herald Sun, Pendlebury wrote: “Will print off, read and mark up questions or things I don’t understand and send back. Do you have any idea yet of what Return on investment you’re aiming for? Or still up in the air depending on how you optimise the land holdings?”
Pendlebury also claimed Sourasis owed him $300,000 at 50 per cent interest per year — totalling close to $3 million all up in his claim.
But Sourasis’ defence rebuffed those assertions, stating Pendlebury had knowledge of the transactions in question.
“Copies of financial statements and tax returns, signed by Pendlebury … which record profits received and tax paid … may be provided upon request and will be provided following discovery,” the defence said.
The case is now threatening to run to trial, with Pendlebury having employed the services of renowned lawyer Leon Zwier to lead his charge.