Brian Lake’s Japan jail stint comes to an end
BRIAN Lake’s Japanese jail ordeal is over after the Norm Smith medallist was released from an Osaka police station after six days in custody. Here’s how his freedom was secured.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BRIAN Lake’s Japanese jail ordeal is over after the Norm Smith medallist was last night released from an Osaka police station after six days in custody.
Lake, 36, had been detained in the multi-storey Minami police station since early on Sunday morning in Osaka after a late-night altercation.
He walked out tired just before 5.30pm Melbourne time last night. He has not been charged with any offence.
LAKE ARRESTED AFTER SCUFFLE IN JAPAN
BRIAN LAKE LAWYERS WORK OVERTIME FOR HIS RELEASE
Mediation was a crucial element of the process, with a written and verbal apology to the victim of the alleged incident key for the former Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs player in his endeavour to be released.
His concerned manager Marty Pask had been in Osaka since late on Wednesday night in an effort to assist his client.
Lake was also being assisted by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but strict Japanese custom meant it was a delicate fight for his legal team to balance.
He could have been held for up to 23 days without charge as is allowed under Japanese law.
Lake is set to return to Australia over the weekend.
“It’s obviously been a tough week for Brian, but he’s looking forward to returning home to see his loved ones,” Pask said.
“He’s grateful for the support and guidance he received throughout this process, in particular from his legal representation and the Australian Consulate.”
Further accelerating efforts for his release was the fact that Monday is a public holiday in Japan – Marine Day, which both marks the 1876 return of the Meiji Emperor to the Port of Yokohama and to express gratitude for the gifts of the sea and pray for the prosperity of the country as a maritime hub.
The former AFL star’s time in custody included strict visitation requirements and tough conditions, with prisoners believed to be allowed just three bowls of rice per day.
Lake – who had travelled to Osaka last week to compete in an AFL Asia tournament after a stint in Bali – had last Saturday night enjoyed the festivities at The Blarney Stone, an Irish pub in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district, for a sportsman’s night with teammates from the competition that had wrapped up that day.
Staff at the underground Irish pub were keen to point out to the Herald Sun that - despite plenty of calls from Australian media this week, which they admitted had surprised them - the incident had not occurred there.
The ex-Hawk and Bulldog had moved on to another venue by the time things went awry.
The Shinsaibashi district is home to hundreds of bars, nightclubs and karaoke venues.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – which has provided Lake with consular assistance all week - warns travellers of the differences in the Japanese legal system, including that detainees can be held for up to 23 days without charge.
“You’re subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards,” it says in its advice to travellers.
“Even if you consider that the alleged offence may be minor, you may be held for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings.”
Initial police interviews can last for several hours, and while detainees are permitted to remain silent or have an interpreter provided, DFAT says that Japanese police are entitled to question foreigners in custody without a lawyer present and that “English interpretation may be sub-standard”.
Travellers are also required to carry their passport at all times.
Melbourne University Associate Professor and specialist in Japanese law Stacey Steele said that the lengthy nature of Lake’s plight would partly be due to logistical issues such as engaging translators and local counsel.
Lake’s situation, Steele said, also proved a timely reminder for Australians travelling abroad, particularly with the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics looming in Japan with organisers, competitors and supporters encouraged to heed caution and be aware.
“Foreigners going to Japan need to realise that whilst have a good time and enjoy yourself, do it safely and do it with your mates,” the associate professor told the Herald Sun.
Steele said what played to Lake’s favour is what she described as a “two-track” legal system - which still includes the death penalty for serious crimes such as multiple murders - which allows for some flexibility for dealing with incidents such as his.
Friends of Lake – including Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney – have expressed their concern for the three-time premiership player in recent days, with Cooney describing the last six months, which has included marriage trouble, as the “most stressful point” in his close mate’s life.
Olarenshaw also said this week that Lake had “been going through a fair bit mentally” and that he had travelled to Bali “for a break” that has now lasted far longer than had been intended.
Perryman, Neal-Bullen, Baker? The trend taking over AFL trade period
It’s usually a throwaway line in a club press release after a deal is done. The story of a player going back to his childhood club. Now, it’s no longer something to scoff at.
Read more
Robbo’s Top 50: The four aces who could all be named No. 1
Footy’s biggest list is back with Mark Robinson naming his top 50 players of season 2024 and four superstars could barely be split for the top gong. Check out Robbo’s Top 50 and have your say.
Read more