Former girlfriend of jailed AFL star Andrew Lovett speaks of ‘terrifying’ abuse

The woman who was punched, kicked and spat on by a “controlling” former AFL player has spoken about the “terrifying” ordeal.

The former partner of jailed AFL star Andrew Lovett has spoken after the ex-Bombers player was sentenced to eight months behind bars.

Melanie Rowe, who was a police officer when Lovett subjected her to horrific abuse for two years, has told of how she was “terrified”.

“I’m so relieved this chapter has closed at the moment.”

Lovett’s heinous crimes included bashing, choking and spitting on Ms Rowe.

Andrew Lovett assaulted a woman over a two-year period.

Magistrate Jason Ong described how Ms Rowe felt “constant fear” and described the ordeal as “the saddest time of her life” as the former Essendon player appeared via video link in the Dandenong Magistrates Court from Fulham prison on Thursday.

“You should have walked away,” he said.

“No woman should fear or suffer physical harm.

“This was terrifying, ongoing, aggressive, physical violence. You were controlling and manipulating.”

The 39-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including multiple assaults, recklessly causing injury and breaching court orders between February 2020 and December last year.

The 2005 Anzac Day medallist subjected Ms Rowe to a two-year nightmare and became “more and more volatile” during the course of their relationship.

Melanie Rowe has revealed details have her “terrifying” ordeal.

In January 2021 he sent her a text after an argument that read: “I hope you, your mum and your nan pass away, you c**t.”

Lovett also attacked her after watching Essendon play Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium in March 2021.

The court was told he abused Ms Rowe because of a message he found on her phone. He repeatedly punched and kicked her as she lay bleeding on the floor.

A month later a heavily intoxicated Lovett turned up at Ms Rowe’s home after an AFL function before spitting on her and pouring beer on her as she lay in bed, the court was told.

On other occasions he choked and punched her and slammed her head into a steering wheel while she drove him around.

Lovett was sentenced to eight months prison after pleading guilty to 24 charges.

Defence lawyer David Grace said the former AFL player unreservedly apologised for his behaviour.

“He’s upset and very sorry for what he had done,” he told the court.

In messages he sent to Ms Rowe after she left him, Lovett said no one deserved what he had done to her.

“I am deeply, deeply, deeply sorry for what I have put you through,” he said.

Lovett has already served 100 days pre-sentence detention.

He will be put on a 12-month community corrections order once he’s released.