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VFL player Luke Edmondson avoids conviction for ex-girlfriend assault

A VFL player who kicked his former girlfriend and grabbed her by the throat during an argument in her Hallam house has escaped conviction because he mentors young footballers.

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A VFL player who grabbed his ex-girlfriend by the neck has escaped conviction because he mentors young footballers.

The 29-year-old attacked her in her Hallam home.

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Luke Edmondson pleaded guilty to assault and damage charges, as well as court breaches, at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The Frankston Dolphin and former Port Melbourne player was once invited to train with the Collingwood AFL side, and has had stints at Kyneton and Tooradin-Dalmore.

The court heard on September 1 at around 6pm he was at her house when a verbal argument started.

Luke Edmondson on field for Tooradin in 2017. Picture: Chris Eastman
Luke Edmondson on field for Tooradin in 2017. Picture: Chris Eastman

He picked up a picture frame and threw it in the sink before pushing her into a bedroom window, breaking it.

He then left, but soon returned and the heated argument continued before he grabbed her around the neck and kicked her leg, causing minor bruising.

Then on September 5 police were called to the Hallam property as a witness had identified Edmondson was present. He left without incident.

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A day later he again came to the house before the woman told him to leave, which he did.

He was arrested and charged a few days later.

Edmondson’s lawyer described him as a gifted footballer and mentor to young players, who was clearly remorseful for the “completely unacceptable” behaviour.

He said a conviction would hamper his prospects for an advisory role with the Carlton-affiliated Northern Blues VFL team.

Magistrate Barry Schultz said the assault was serious.

“You grabbed your partner by the neck; it’s known that when man grabs a woman by the throat that is a red flag, an indication to future violence,” Mr Schultz said.

But he said he didn’t want to deny him a chance to mentor young players, and accepted he was remorseful.

Edmondson was given a 12-month good behaviour bond, must complete a men’s behavioural change program and donate $500 to the White Ribbon Foundation.

No conviction was recorded.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/vfl-player-luke-edmondson-avoids-conviction-for-exgirlfriend-assault/news-story/9d9ba0229d2a8bb8675663b69e6ecaac