- Maddie Studdon was charged with domestic violence-related stalking offences
Troubled NRLW star Maddie Studdon has avoided jail time after the halfback pleaded guilty to domestic violence-related stalking offences.
On Wednesday, the former Australian and NSW representative, 31, was sentenced in Sydney’s Downing Centre Court over a series of incidents earlier this year, including sending her former partner abusive messages and calling her 29 times.
Magistrate Megan Greenwood made Studdon well aware she was fortunate not to be sitting in a jail cell.
‘You do this again, that’s where you’re going,’ Greenwood said.
Studdon was arrested on January 13 after an incident outside the victim’s home and spent a night behind bars.
She was charged with one count each of stalk/intimidation with the intention to cause fear of physical harm (DV) and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
NRLW star Maddie Studdon has avoided jail time after the halfback pleaded guilty to domestic violence-related stalking offences
On Wednesday, the former Australian and NSW representative, 31, was sentenced over a series of incidents earlier this year, including sending her former partner abusive messages
After she was released on bail, Studdon indicated would fight the series of charges.
But on Wednesday, her solicitor David Newham entered guilty pleas to both offences.
The court heard that at the time, Studdon made allegations that her former partner had slept with another person – which were unsubstantiated.
The court was also told the victim told Studdon ‘do not message me again’, only for the footy star to ignore her.
When the terrified woman blocked Studdon’s number and profile on social media, the former NSW Origin skipper set her number to private and called her almost 30 times.
Studdon also transferred the victim a small amount of money via online banking with a description attached saying ‘check msgs, enjoy the d**k.’
Greenwood described the conduct as ‘classic controlling behaviour’.
On January 12, Studdon went to the victim’s home and repeatedly knocked and kicked her door, before yelling ‘you’re having f**king sex, are ya?’
Studdon was sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order, to be served in the community
Studdon also has a previous conviction for a domestic violence-related offence from 10 years ago.
The prosecution argued she should be jailed due to the seriousness of the charges, but Studdon was instead sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order.
Additionally, she was fined $2200.
Studdon has previously played in the NRLW competition for the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Cronulla.
She played for the Dragons last season but is currently without a club.
