Billionaire heiress Francesca Packer defends unlikely friendship with Mark Judge – and reveals ex-bikie partner makes her feel ‘safe’
Francesca Packer has defended her unlikely new friendship with former partner of cyclist Mark Judge, after the couple were spotted celebrating their 26th birthday last week.
Speaking to Private Sydney on Sunday, the billionaire heiress said Mark, 45, made her feel ‘safe’, adding that she was fully aware of her ‘colorful past’.
Mark, who grew up near Penrith in western Sydney, started out as a porter for a Rebel biker gang clubhouse.
Defending their friendship: Francesca Packer (left) defended her unlikely new friendship with former partner of cyclist Mark Judge, 45, (right), after the couple were spotted celebrating their 26th birthday the week last
He never joined the club and instead chose to remain associated.
In 2011, the ladies’ man was found bleeding to death on a posh Sydney street after being brutally stabbed nine times.
Mark was found collapsed on the path outside his apartment by two friends passing by after the attack.
Enjoy! Francesca and Mark (both pictured) were seen partying last Sunday at the Heiress’ 26th birthday party in Sydney Harbor
‘Safe’: Speaking to Private Sydney on Sunday, the billionaire heiress said Mark made her feel ‘safe’, adding that she was fully aware of her ‘colorful past’
He escaped full-time jail time in 2005 after pleading guilty to bashing a furniture store owner and using a brick to smash the man’s finger as he tried to retrieve some of the $ 70,000 he loaned her.
Mark has since changed his life and now makes a living as a designer watch salesman, with stores in Bondi and Melbourne.
Francesca, who is the granddaughter of media mogul Kerry Packer, met Mark a few months ago through her mutual friend Sam Zachariah – her ex-boyfriend and Mark’s former roommate.
Colorful past: Mark (pictured), who grew up near Penrith in western Sydney, started as a doorman for a Rebels biker gang clubhouse
The couple were spotted celebrating their recent anniversary on Friday night over dinner and drinks at the Little Felix cocktail bar in Sydney’s central business district.
The big swimmer Ian Thorpe was also present at the party
Francesca was also spotted partying with Mark last Sunday at her crazy birthday party at The Island in Sydney Harbor.
Where it started: Francesca met Mark a few months ago through mutual friend Sam Zachariah (pictured) – her ex-boyfriend and Mark’s former roommate
Family Connection: Francesca (pictured) is the niece of casino billionaire James Packer and the daughter of Gretel Packer and her ex-husband Nick Barham
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