Former Tigers NRL player Matthew Lodge avoids jail time

VICTIMS of former NRL player Matthew Lodge’s violent home invasion in the US say they still suffer trauma and are disappointed he’s likely to restart his career.

Former NRL player Matthew Lodge has avoided jail time. Picture: Anna Caldwell

THE VICTIMS of NRL player Matthew Lodge’s violent home invasion in Manhattan say they still suffer trauma from the horror of the intoxicated footballer storming their home, and are deeply disappointed he’s likely to restart his NRL career.

A Manhattan court confirmed on Tuesday Lodge would avoid a US jail sentence based on a plea deal struck last year, however the footballer still faces a multi-million dollar civil claim.

Lawyers for his victims told News Corp their lives are “turned upside” down and will never be the same.

Mr Lodge — who is now signed to play for Queensland’s Redcliffe Dolphins — was not required to appear in court in New York, with the judge confirming he would not be jailed after completing the terms of his sentence, which included community service.

Former Wests Tigers NRL player Matthew Lodge has avoided jail time. Picture: Instagram

Lawyer Renan Varghese, representing Mr Lodge’s victims Joseph Cartright and Ruth Fowler in the civil suit for damages said the team was “still committed to holding Mr Lodge accountable and making sure he faces some justice”.

“Our clients are very disappointed with the criminal court’s decision not to change the terms of the plea agreement in light of his almost complete lack of remorse,” Mr Varghese said.

Lodge stormed the home of Mr Cartright and Ms Fowler in October last year, while their young son slept, trashing the apartment and locking the mother and son in a room while Mr Cartright was locked outside.

Mr Cartright was also assaulted by the footballer. The events transpired after Mr Cartright tried to come to the aid of two young women Mr Lodge had followed home, telling them it was the night they would “die”.

“Ever since Mr Lodge attacked our clients last October their lives have been turned upside down by his behaviour,” Mr Varghese told News Corp Australia.

Foyer Area CCTV photo shows former NRL player Matthew Lodge assaulting Joseph Cartright after being let into an apartment building in New York City. Picture: Supplied

“Their young child has trouble sleeping and socialising. They themselves have lasting psychological effects from his conduct.

“Although they have tried to seek treatment it is hard to tell if they’ll ever be the same. For a young family it is a nightmare scenario. They had to move from the house they lived in for 20 years. Lodge ruined it for them.”

Mr Varghese said Lodge’s ability to restart his career given his age should mean he has money to compensate his victims.

Lawyer representing Lodge, Thomas Rotko said in a statement that Lodge had “worked very hard to address the issues which led to his arrest in this case and he will continue to work on these issues.”