Former footballer Brian Lake seeks help at mental health clinic after alleged rampage
Fallen ex-footy star Brian Lake is facing a string of charges after an alleged rampage. Friends say he’s “spiralling” and “in a hole” as the three-time premiership champion checks into a mental health clinic.
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Fallen former AFL star Brian Lake is seeking help at a mental health clinic after being charged over an alleged rampage.
The three-time premiership champion and Norm Smith medallist has been charged with seven offences.
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Court records show a magistrate bailed the Hawthorn legend after he appeared before an out-of-session hearing late Monday.
Police issued a warrant for the 37-year-old’s arrest over the matters on February 12.
Lake is facing charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, stalking, unlawful assault and trespassing.
Police confirmed the incident occurred at a property in Aintree on February 17. He was arrested eight days later in Camberwell.
It is understood Lake voluntarily admitted himself to a Melbourne health facility following the incident.
Friends and family have rallied behind the fallen footy star.
Sources say there are fears for the ex-AFL great’s mental wellbeing and that he is struggling with the breakdown of his marriage.
His estranged wife has begun a new relationship.
Late last year, Lake travelled to Asia to seek treatment at a drug and alcohol facility.
“It’s pretty well known within footy that he is spiralling,” said a source.
“He’s in a hole … he’s been in rehab recently.
“He won the Norm Smith six years ago and his third flag four years ago. It’s a pretty decent fall since leaving the game.”
Lake is scheduled to return to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 13 for the matters.
Existing charges of failure to answer bail, unlicensed driving and excess speeding will be heard on the same date.
Court documents show the Caroline Springs father of three is also scheduled to appear in court on June 19 for a matter being prosecuted by Avondale Heights police.
Lake has had a tumultuous past few months, including a stint in prison in Japan.
The reality TV star said he had hit “rock bottom” in July when he spent six days locked up in Osaka after a destructive booze bender. He was never charged with any offences.
Lake returned home from 49 days on Australian Survivor to the news his wife wanted a break.
He packed his bags and fled to Bali then Japan.
He said a phone argument with his estranged wife triggered a drunken brawl that landed him in a Japanese prison.
“It wasn’t agreed upon beforehand, but it was obviously thought about,” Lake said of their marriage breakdown.
“Then it didn’t really happen until probably a couple of days after I got back. She mentioned it’s probably best if we just had a break for a while.
“So, yeah, you just come off the island, off the game and then I think it was 48 hours, so that’s why I went to Bali straightaway.”
Months later he revealed he would go to drug and alcohol rehab after a photo emerged of him with a white substance lined up in a toilet cubicle.
“After recent conversations with those close to me I have come to the realisation that I need to seek professional help,” he said at the time.
“The decision has come in recent weeks after reflecting on some of the incidents that have taken place and I must accept that I need to improve my health.”
Lake took to Instagram on February 8 to post an image of his ex-wife and their three kids which was captioned: “Family is everything.”
Friends reached out with offers of support.
“I know you are having a hard time. Look after you first then everything may work out.”
Lake was drafted to the Western Bulldogs in 2001 and made his AFL debut the following year after being recruited from SANFL club Woodville West-Torrens.
He was then traded to Hawthorn, where he was part of the Hawks’ premiership three-peat from 2013 to 2015.
The talented fullback won the Norm Smith Medal in 2013, and was also named All-Australian in 2009 and 2010.
A statement from Lake’s manager Marty Pask asked for privacy for his client and his family.
“Following the hearing (on February 25), Brian returned voluntarily to a private clinic where he has been residing to receive treatment for ongoing mental health challenges,” he said.
“As the matter is before the court, there will be no further comment.”
Lake’s lawyer has been contacted for comment.