Former NRL star ‘disgusted’ by child abuse messages

The former NRL star was arrested in December 2021 as one of eight men accused of being involved in a phone chat line that alleged police discussed child sexual abuse and exchanged abuse material. I got

Six other charges against Finch were dropped in August.

Finch said in court on Monday that he left a “twisted” message on FastMeet, a service for gay men.

Finch said his sole purpose in leaving the message was to obtain cocaine, and said he was introduced to the service in court by a drug dealer’s associate.

He said that with the COVID-19 pandemic, dealers weren’t on the road, and he tried every dealer by phone before resorting to FastMeet in desperation.

Finch viewed sending the message as a ‘clue’ to his ultimate goal of obtaining drugs, court said

“Have you ever had a sexual interest in a child?” Defense attorney Mike Smith asked Finch.

Finch stopped using the line in early 2021 after a user replied, “I want you to pick me up,” and mentioned a “granddaughter,” the court heard.

This reply made him realize that his actions could lead to pedophilia.

“It made me feel completely sick and disgusted,” Finch told the court.

“I immediately told him that he wasn’t feeling well.

“I just wanted to strangle a man on the phone.”

Finch said he was embarrassed and disgusted that he had left a message in hopes of getting the cocaine.

“During that period, my drug use really got out of control,” he said.

He has now “lost everything”, is on Centrelink benefits and has not been able to find a job despite applying for 300 jobs.

“I understand why no one wants to come near me,” he said.

“I have no one else’s fault, but myself… It’s hurt a lot of other people and that’s what I’m sorry about.”

Asked if he admitted his actions were an “inaccurate” way to obtain drugs, Finch said, “It’s a terrible way and I’m deeply ashamed.”

In the evidence, psychologist Chris Rennings told the court that Finch’s offenses were not sexually motivated and that it was important for him to undergo a “biological drug test” such as a hair follicle test in the future. rice field.

“In my assessment, I don’t think he is a sexual deviant,” Rennings said via an audiovisual link.

Later on Monday, two friends of Finch’s family provided evidence, explaining that Finch was a loyal, kind and caring man whose obnoxious behavior was out of character.

Finch has played in three State of Origins in New South Wales and won the Premiership in 2009 with the Melbourne Storm.

His finest moment came in the 2006 Origin season opener when he kicked the game-winning field goal for the Blues.

In his post-football life, Finch has had mental health issues and has spoken publicly about his battle with substance abuse.

A hearing in Downing Center District Court continues on Tuesday.

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