A man accused of making death threats against an AFL player has been unmasked and photographed outside of court for the first time.<\/p>\n
Jack Sullivan, 31, is accused of having sent a series of death threats to Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine on September 8 last year.<\/p>\n
He was arrested and charged with using a carriage service in an offensive manner after being arrested on December 8 and appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday, March 13.<\/p>\n
But speaking as he left court, Mr Sullivan denied he had sent the messages and vowed to fight the charges brought against him.<\/p>\n
Asked by journalists whether he would be fighting the charges, he said: \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
And asked whether he had anything to say to Rankine, he replied: \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked which team he supports he said: \u201cI don\u2019t really go for anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is alleged that Mr Sullivan, of Port Adelaide, made the threats to Rankine via social media from an address in Kensington Gardens.<\/p>\n
It came just four days after the Crows lost a home qualifying final clash to Collingwood, while Rankin was serving a suspension for making a homophobic slur.<\/p>\n
But Mr Sullivan insisted he had no part in sending messages to the 25-year-old.<\/p>\n
He previously appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on January 30 and was bailed following a brief first appearance.<\/p>\n
And Friday\u2019s appearance was even briefer, with the case immediately adjourned until Friday, April 24.<\/p>\n
Following his initial arrest, a statement from Adelaide Crows stated two of its players were recipients of abuse on social media.<\/p>\n
It read: \u201cAdelaide can confirm two of its players were subject to direct and significant threats on a social media platform.<\/p>\n
\u201cSubsequently, reports were made to South Australia Police in September which prompted investigations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe AFL Integrity Unit was advised of the matters and both players have been provided with the necessary and ongoing support.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny form of online abuse, discrimination or threatening behaviour is unacceptable and it has no place in our society.\u201d<\/p>\n
The charges brought against Mr Sullivan only relate to Rankine. <\/p>\n