FORMER AFL PLAYER ANDREW LOVETT SENTENCED AFTER BASHING. SPITTING ON AND CHOKING WOMAN
0Former AFL player Andrew Lovett sentenced after bashing. spitting on and choking woman
A retired AFL player who brutally assaulted a woman over two years. including bashing. choking and spitting on her. has been sentenced to eight months behind bars. Former Essendon player Andrew Lovett appeared via video link in the Dandenong Magistrates Court from Fulham prison on Thursday. Magistrate Jason Ong said the victim felt “constant fear” and described the ordeal as “the saddest time of her life”. “You should have walked away.” he said. “No woman should fear or suffer physical harm. “This was terrifying. ongoing. aggressive. physical violence. You were controlling and manipulating.” The 39 year old had earlier pleaded guilty to 24 charges. including multiple assaults. recklessly causing injury and breaching court orders between February 2020 and December last year. The 2005 Anzac Day medallist subjected a woman to a two year nightmare and became “more and more volatile” during the course of their relationship. In January 2021 he sent the woman a text after an argument that read: “I hope you. your mum and your nan pass away. you c**t.” Lovett also attacked the woman after watching Essendon play Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium in March 2021. The court was told that he abused the woman because of a message he found on her phone. The former footballer threw her phone at the wall and repeatedly punched the woman in the head. He then kicked her repeatedly as she lay on the shower floor. A month later a heavily intoxicated Lovett returned to the woman’s home from an AFL function and spat at the woman and poured a beer over her as she lay in bed. the court was told. On other occasions he choked and punched her and slammed her head into a steering wheel while she drove him around. Defence lawyer David Grace said the former AFL player unreservedly apologised for his behaviour. “He’s upset and very sorry for what he had done.” he told the court. In messages he sent to the woman after she left him. Lovett said no one deserved what he had done to her. “I am deeply. deeply. deeply sorry for what I have put you through.” he said. Lovett has already served 100 days pre sentence detention. He will be put on a 12 month community corrections order once he’s released. If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact: — National Sexual Assault. Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24 hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 — 24 hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588 — Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937 — SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090 — Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811. or after hours 6231 1817 — Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122 — Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1 — Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800 Don’t go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14
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