Former Newcastle Knight Jeremy Smith fights domestic violence charges, with AVO against him
Former Newcastle Knight co-captain Jeremy Smith is fighting domestic violence charges stemming from an incident with his wife in October, with an AVO in place against him.
Newcastle
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The relationship between an ex-Newcastle Knights player and his wife has appeared to break down after an apprehended violence order (AVO) was taken out against the former NRL player.
Jeremy Smith, 39, who co-captained the Knights in 2016 before retiring that year, was at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday to make amendments to a AVO, taken out by police on behalf of his wife Jody Smith.
It means he must not come within 100 metres of his wife, whom he has four children with.
Smith’s lawyer James Janke also told the court his client would be pleading not guilty to two domestic violence related charges and was seeking a hearing date.
The former Kiwi international has been charged with stalk or intimidate to cause fear of physical or mental harm and intentionally damage property to the sum of more than $2000.
Court papers revealed there was an alleged incident between Smith and his wife in the early hours of October 12.
Smith was accused of damaging two internal walls at his wife’s property in Hamilton.
The Newcastle News understands the pair have been split for several weeks and just two days ago Ms Smith unleashed on a Facebook post.
“I’ve held back for so long with my posts. I’m not anymore. I’m raising four kids, financially, emotionally and physically on my own,” it read.
“I’m sick of hiding behind what people used to perceive. He has always been a narcissist and I have been an idiot! No more!!
“If you don’t like my post … go tell him and then go f**k yourselves.
“I’m surrounded by true friends and family.”
Smith’s charges have been adjourned until January next year for a brief to be served, his bail to continue, with the AVO to remain in place until the matter is resolved.
Smith who was involved with the Knights on game days in 2019, is also playing for South Newcastle in the Newcastle Rugby League competition, after he signed with the Lions earlier this year.
Before the forwards four years with the Knights, he also played with the Melbourne Storm, St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks between 2004 and 2012. He also notched up 22 test game for New Zealand.
