Former Sydney Swans player Elijah Taylor has avoided jail after he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Lekahni Pearce, in a Perth hotel room.
Taylor, 19, was fined just $5000 and issued a spent conviction after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on September 30.
As reported by AAP, the court heard the assault started after Pearce saw a Snapchat message from a third party on Taylor’s phone and started hitting him when he was asleep.
When he awoke, Taylor responded by punching Pearce in the jaw and hitting her several times in the face.
He then hit her with a belt.
When Pearce said she was going to the police, Taylor punched her on the back of her head, causing her to fall to the floor.
Taylor was arrested on September 13.
The Swans confirmed it had parted ways with Taylor on Monday, with club boss Charlie Gardiner issuing a statement.
“The situation Elijah and the club has found itself in is deeply regrettable,” Gardiner said.
“Elijah has made some very poor decisions which have led us to this point, and he acknowledges that.
“This is certainly not a position we have arrived at lightly, however Elijah’s actions could not be reconciled.”
Gardiner acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, but said it was the right call for both Taylor and the club to part ways.
He concluded: “We are keen to see Elijah receive ongoing education and support in the hope that he can mature and learn from this experience, make better decisions in the future, and take steps towards rebuilding his career.”
Taylor had already been suspended from the 2020 AFL season after he allowed Pearce to enter the Swans’ quarantine accomodation in August, breaching the league’s strict COVID-19 protocols.
Taylor played four games for the Swans after being recruited to the club in the 2019 AFL Draft.
Help is available.
If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, you can access free, confidential help, counselling and support 24/7 by contacting 1800RESPECT. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000.
