Olympic rower Simon Burgess convicted of 2023 assault of ex-wife
‘You then got on her bed and straddled her, slapping her to the head eight times. She feared for her life’: Judge. Tasmanian Olympic rower Simon Burgess sentenced in Hobart court.
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A Hobart Magistrate has handed down an 83-day suspended sentence to former Olympic rower Simon Burgess for an assault he described as “designed to exert physical control or dominance” over his former partner.
Magistrate Andrew McKee gave his final sentencing remarks on the matter, with Burgess, 57, and his partner, family and friends appearing in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday.
The victim survivor, Burgess’ ex-wife, was not required to attend court for sentencing as Burgess had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a family violence order and one count of injuring property.
Burgess also later entered a guilty plea to one charge of common assault.
Burgess was charged after he entered his ex-wife’s Franklin home uninvited on December 2, 2023, due to the breakdown of his 15-year marriage with her.
“You immediately began ranting about your wife’s eldest daughter,” Mr McKee said.
“You then got on her bed and straddled her, slapping her to the head eight times.
“She feared for her life. In an attempt to free herself, she hit you in the head with a glass bowl, but you continued to rant at her.
“You produced a piece of paper form your pocket and said ‘you’re gonna choke on this’.
“Your blood dripped over her face and clothing.”
Mr McKee stated Burgess convinced himself to confront his then wife due to frustrations with the end of the marriage, including correspondence from the ex-wife that said “your family farm may need to be sold”.
Mr McKee said the way Burgess approached the December 2 incident was “entirely inappropriate”, but said the detailing of his upbringing and life through his lawyer Phillipa Morgan had emphasised Burgess’ attachment to the family farm.
“I accept you are genuinely remorseful and through your numerous references, you are described as an individual of good character,” Mr McKee said.
“Since your release from custody, you have been on strict bail conditions and have complied with each of those conditions.
“You have engaged with a psychiatrist and completed the men’s program.
“I’m satisfied you have taken a number of steps to reform yourself.”
Mr McKee recorded a conviction for all charges and handed down 90 days prison suspended sentence, with credit for seven days time served.
The suspension will remain in place for 18 months given Burgess does not commit an offence within that period.
Family violence offences were also recorded.
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Originally published as Olympic rower Simon Burgess convicted of 2023 assault of ex-wife
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