Jackson Williams: Westmeadows Football Club player’s shocking attack on nurse

Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a Westmeadows footy player dragged a helpless nurse into a CBD alleyway, pinning her to the ground, in a “cowardly” attack. Now he’s made a “superficial” apology in court.

A local footy player who attacked a nurse on her way to work, dragging her into an alley and pinning her down, has been dubbed a ‘coward’ in court.

Westmeadows Tigers player Jackson Williams fronted the County Court today for a pre-sentencing hearing for assault charges.

The 21-year-old was in October found not guilty of intending to commit a sexual offence, but guilty of assault.

The shocking 37-second attack in the early hours of October 28, 2018 captured on CCTV, showed Jackson Williams grabbing his victim around the neck from behind and pulling her into a nearby alley before an off-duty cop heard her screams and ran to help.

In a statement read by his lawyer, the court heard Williams had apologised.

“I do feel guilty … it’s not her fault. I have to live with this. I want her to know I’m really sorry,” he said.

Clinical psychologist Alice Crole, in her assessment of Williams, said his apology was made “in a superficial manner” and he was unable or unwilling to explain his motivation for the attack.

“He has a social anxiety disorder … (is) socially and emotionally immature for his age with a tendency to be easily lead by others,” she said.

“He repeatedly stated he could not recall the finer details of the offending.

“He has a history of drinking to excess when he does.”

Williams remained on the Tigers line-up last year, playing 10 games and being named in the best three times.

A clinical assessment found him to have an IQ of 71, which falls between low average to a mild intellectual disability.

Essendon District footy player Jackson Williams. Picture: Facebook

The prosecution said he acted like a coward.

“It was cowardly … she was isolated and vulnerable,” the solicitor said.

“He waited until she had walked past and attacked her from behind – she had no opportunity to protect herself.”

The court heard Williams was subject to many negative remarks made through social media after the CCTV footage was released and he was surprised some his fellow players wanted him cut from the team.

A Change.org petition with almost 60,000 signatures has been made to appeal the sexual assault verdict made by the court last month.

Organiser Emm Jones addressed the petition to the public prosecutions office stating women should be able to walk on the streets without fear.

“Williams pleaded guilty to regular assault and was charged with such,” she said.

“They claim that it was an attempted robbery, though no demands for money or property was ever made.

“When are we as women going to be able to walk the streets without the fear we may end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“She will re-live those moments for the rest of her life. She will be haunted by his face for the rest of her life.”

The matter has been adjourned for sentence in the County Court for November 18.

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