Shannon John Cox: Former AFL player appears in Geraldton court on meth dealing charge

Former AFL player Shannon Cox, who is disputing a drug dealing allegation but admits to possessing stolen property, had two court matters listed this week. Facing Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply, Cox’s lawyer Malcom Ayoub conceded the substance in question was meth, but the issue lied with the intent to sell or supply allegation. It is alleged Cox was caught carrying 2.28 grams of methamphetamine while driving in Yardarino on February 4. He was found with drug paraphernalia containing traces of the drug, and had pleaded guilty to that charge. Cox previously emailed the court endorsing a plea of guilty to both charges, but failed to appear in court on May 11 when it was expected he would be sentenced. He was arrested and appeared from custody on May 17 when he formally submitted his pleas, but instead pleaded not guilty to the possession charge. The matter was adjourned until October 10 for a further trial allocation date. Magistrate Angus Hockton said Cox’s co-operation was to his benefit and could reduce the time of the trial. In a past hearing, police prosecutor Sen. Const. Paul White said officers had seized Cox’s phone and found messages allegedly showing Cox offering to sell methamphetamine to a number of people. Cox had an additional three charges listed in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday for possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained goods. He did not appear in court but gave an endorsed plea of guilty, with Mr Hockton stating Cox could not attend due to work. Sen. Const. White told the court police had searched Cox’s house earlier this year on March 31, after obtaining a search warrant. He said police found a Samsung Galaxy phone in his pocket, which was a fraudulent purchase on a company credit card, along with other items that were purchased using the card. Cox told police the phone was gifted to him by a co-accused, and the same person had asked to store some items at his house. Mr Hockton fined Cox $3300 and ordered he pay prosecution costs of $200 and the items be returned. Cox played 25 AFL games for the Magpies between 2007 and 2009 and previously played for Rovers in the Great Northern Football League.