Melbourne Storm star Josh Addo-Carr has avoided a criminal conviction over his role in the infamous Easter camping trip on Latrell Mitchell’s property during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Addo-Carr in September pled guilty to one count of using a an unauthorised firearm after footage posted on Instagram showed the Australia and NSW winger shooting a rifle that belonged to Mitchell.
The 25-year-old was placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond after appearing in Taree Local Court on Friday.
Magistrate Allison Hawkins accepted the argument of Addo-Carr’s defence team that he did not realise the seriousness of the offence upon sparing him of a criminal conviction.
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South Sydney superstar Mitchell in November also escaped conviction after pleading guilty to one count of giving a firearm to a person not authorised by a license or permit.
The pair were each fined $50,000 (60 percent suspended) by the NRL and handed a one-match suspended ban over the infamous camping trip.
Mitchell hosted several family members at his property outside of Taree in violation of the state’s COVID-19 laws at the time.
Meanwhile, Addo-Carr also received a 12-month good behaviour bond for his COVID offence on Friday.
With their legal woes behind them, the two close friends will do battle in the opening game of the 2021 NRL season when the Storm host the Rabbitohs.
Addo-Carr is entering his final season with the Storm after he signed a four-year deal in December to join Canterbury from 2022.
Mitchell, who last month signed a two-year extension with the Bunnies, is entering his second season at Redfern following his shock departure from the Sydney Roosters at the end of 2019.