Mason, Riddell get death threat

parragirl · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject: Mason, Riddell get death threat

Threatened ... a death threat made against Willie Mason and Mark Riddell is being taken seriously by police. / The Daily Telegraph

By Dean Ritchie | March 05, 2008 12:00am

THE drama surrounding Monday morning's Kings Cross shooting took a chilling twist with NRL stars Willie Mason and Mark Riddell receiving death threats that are being investigated by police.

The threats come just a day after Parramatta's international winger Jarryd Hayne had a shot fired at him by a drive-by gunman in a terrifying 4am attack at Kings Cross.

A police spokesman last night revealed officers were treating the death threats seriously and had increased security around the Sydney homes of Mason and Riddell.

A man telephoned The Daily Telegraph offices at midday yesterday to say: "Tell Riddell and Mason they're next.''

Security at The Daily Telegraph telephoned police, who contacted the two players and told them to remain inside their homes last night.

"I got a call from a Detective-Sergeant who told me not to go out,'' Riddell said. "All this has gone to a new level. I don't know what to say, it's a big shock. (After the Hayne incident) we were warned there might be more. Of course I'm concerned. I just hope the police sort it out.''

Riddell spoke with Mason yesterday afternoon about the threat. "I'm not going anywhere tonight but you've got to try to lead a normal life,'' Riddell said. "You can't stay locked up all your life but they told us not to take any chances and stay indoors.''
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Mason last night confirmed Surry Hills police contacted him late yesterday afternoon about the threats. "I can't say anything - the police have asked me not to comment at all,'' Mason said.

Police confirmed last night that the pair had been the subject of a threat with detectives now trying to track down the anonymous caller.

"Until police are satisfied that the call was a hoax, it was suggested to the men that they keep a low profile and certainly keep away from Kings Cross for the time-being,'' a spokesman said.

NRL chief executive David Gallop was concerned last night about the news. "It's a serious issue and one for the police to investigate,'' Gallop said.

Meanwhile, Riddell last night played down an alleged argument with Eels skipper Nathan Cayless at the Iguana Bar on Sunday night. There was speculation the two had a heated exchange with Mason breaking up the pair.

There is no suggestion the incident was linked to the threats. "There was never an argument,'' he said. "We're sweet. There was a bit of talk. Boys will be boys.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23320409-5006066,00.html

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parragirl · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject:

Man charged over league stars' death threats

March 09, 2008 07:28pm

A MAN will face court later this month charged over deaths threats made to NRL stars Willie Mason and Mark Riddell.

The News Limited offices in Surry Hills in Sydney received the threatening phone call last Monday, in which both Mason and Riddell were threatened.

The threat came after a shooting in Kings Cross involving Parramatta winger Jarryd Hayne and teammates Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo earlier that day.

Mason and Riddell were out with the trio and other players in the early hours of Monday, but were not present at the time of the shooting.

In a brief statement, police said a 43-year-old man was today charged over the phone call, after attending Surry Hills police station.

He was charged with committing an act of public mischief.

The man has been granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on March 31.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23345725-1702,00.html

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