Rising AFLW star Lela Spotswood jailed following meth induced crime spree

A rising AFLW star has been jailed following a crime spree involving a string of thefts, drug possession and firearm offences. What the court heard.

Launceston's Lela Spotswood flies for the ball against the Northern Territory. Pic Phil Barnes

A 24-year-old woman who could have played AFL at the highest level has been jailed after a downward spiral into drug addiction led her to become involved in a string of thefts, drug possession, and firearms charges.

Lela Lynne Marie Spotswood faced the Launceston Magistrates Court on a total of 45 firearms, drugs and dishonesty offences.

Spotswood pleaded guilty to possessing stolen property, computer-related fraud, common assault, and using abusive language to police.

She pleaded not guilty to a string of firearm charges, including possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a shortened firearm, and aggravated armed robbery.

In 2016, Spotswood was appointed captain of the Tasmanian team to participate in the national female diversity championships.

However, she suffered a heavy downfall, culminating in a jail sentence, which was handed to her on Tuesday.

Defence lawyer Hannah Phillips said as a 17-year-old, Spotswood entered a relationship with a 41-year-old man who encouraged her to use methamphetamine,

Ms Phillips said her drug use and drug dependency impacted her mental health, and led her to a life of crime.

The court heard the former talented footballer was caught assaulting a man and stealing his bike on CCTV on February 8, 2024.

Police prosecutor Ben Warren said the man had rode to meet Spotswood intending to sell her a watch.

“The defendant approached the complainant and punched him in the face,” he said.

Mr Warren said on October 20, 2023, Spotswood bought about $800 worth of goods using stolen credit cards.

Magistrate Sharon Cure convicted Spotswood and sentenced her to four months in jail, backdated to April 28 to account for her time in custody.

Spotswood will appear at the Launceston Supreme Court on September 4, 2024, on the aggravated armed robbery charge.