Australian Rules Football personality Mick Malthouse has provided his account of an alleged home invasion, detailing his confrontation with three intruders at his East Melbourne home in September of last year. Malthouse, 72, testified in Melbourne Magistrates' Court that he fought off the alleged burglars while barefoot and in his pajamas, armed with a piece of weightlifting equipment.
The prosecution alleges that Andrew Carroll, 50, Aysar Mashu, 38, and Joshua Di Cello, 36, broke into Malthouse's residence. Malthouse told the court that he confronted the men, one of whom was allegedly armed with a crowbar, and struck one of the intruders with the weightlifting gear. He described the moment as "very chaotic" and recalled being "stabbed first" with a screwdriver during the altercation. Prosecutors stated that Malthouse suffered a puncture wound to his sternum.
During cross-examination, defense barrister John Desmond questioned Malthouse's actions, suggesting he had deprived the intruders of their liberty and acted in anger. Desmond also referenced Malthouse's reputation as a player and coach, asking if he had "never been known to take a backward step on the football field." Malthouse responded that such comparisons were "irrelevant."
Malthouse testified that he was outnumbered three to one and was suffering from shingles at the time of the incident. He initially mistook the intruders for his cleaner before realizing the gravity of the situation. He recounted interrogating the men after they became trapped in his garage, during which they claimed to have entered his home by mistake while trying to collect a debt from someone else. Malthouse described them as "a bunch of cockatoos" who corroborated each other's stories.
Video footage of Malthouse explaining the events to police on the night of the incident was played in court. His wife, Nanette Malthouse, also provided her account to authorities.
Carroll and Mashu face charges including attempted aggravated home invasion, burglary, and intentionally causing injury. Di Cello is charged with burglary and attempted burglary. The hearing is ongoing.