By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
AN EXCLUSIVE court document reveals Hawthorn AFL footballer Bradley Maitland Hill allegedly headbutted and twice punched a man in the face during a Narre Warren nightclub assault in January.
Hill, 22, was spared conviction and placed on a 12-month diversion program for a single charge of assault at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 27 June.
Star News was provided exclusive access to the summary of facts agreed by Hill’s legal team and police, and heard within chambers of Dandenong Magistrates’ Court earlier that day.
According to the summary of the facts, the assault occurred after Hill reacted to a 21-year-old Berwick man saying “Where are you going?” to a female in Hill’s group as they left the R & B room dance floor in Empire night club, about 12.15am on 24 January.
The man denies he allegedly grabbed the female’s bottom as she walked past, the summary states.
Hill walked up to the man, confronting him about what he said to the female. The two men stood face-to-face with their heads touching.
The victim claimed Hill then head-butted him and twice punched him in the face.
A short time later, Empire’s security members ejected the victim and his friends from the night club.
Hill left with his group of friends from the night club a short time later.
The summary states several people witnessed the assault, including a bystander not connected to either party.
In an interview at Narre Warren Police Station later that day, Hill denied punching the victim and stated there were no injuries to either party.
Hill stated the other man got angry as their heads leaned against each other so Hill pushed him to create some distance.
The victim then pushed Hill, and Hill pushed back in retaliation, the accused told police.
Hill said his girlfriend dragged him away from the altercation.
In sentencing, Mr Vandersteen said he took into account Hill’s young age and remorse and that it was an isolated incident. The diversion was not objected to by the victim.
Hill was described as a quiet, reserved person with an infectious smile who was involved in community Indigenous programs and a St Vincent’s food van, Mr Vandersteen said.
As a professional footballer, Hill had put himself in a “high level of risk” during the incident but alcohol and drugs were not a factor, Mr Vandersteen said.
The magistrate took into account Hill’s “extra-curial” punishment because of his high profile as an AFL player.
“I accept this is a salient experience for you.”
Hill must donate $1000 to the court’s charity fund, write an apology to the victim and will also write a letter of gratitude to the police officer who recommended him for diversion.
If this is done and Hill remains on good behaviour for 12 months, his charges will be dismissed.
Hawthorn Football Club football operations general manager Chris Fagan stated after sentencing that the club would require Hill to donate a further $1000 to Step Back Think, a not-for-profit organisation focused on the prevention of social violence.
“Bradley has kept the club informed throughout this entire process and was counselled on the matter in January.
“The club now considers the matter resolved, and will make no further comment.”
