A Tasmanian court has heard details of an assault carried out by former Olympic rowing medallist Simon Burgess on his ex-wife.
Burgess, 57, pleaded guilty to several charges, including breaching a family violence order, property damage and common assault, stemming from the incident in December 2023.
According to AAP, the court was told that Burgess entered the victim’s Huon Valley home while she was in her bedroom at night.
While wearing black rubber gloves, Burgess reportedly straddled the woman and slapped her to the head eight times, continuing to do so every time she said something he didn’t like.
He also punched a hole in the wall above the bed with a clenched fist and presented a piece of paper, saying “you’re going to choke on this”, which was related to property settlement discussions.
The victim managed to free herself and flee the house, flagging down a car for help.
Burgess’s lawyer, Philippa Morgan, painted a contrasting picture in her sentencing submission, highlighting his successful rowing career and close family relationships.
Morgan acknowledged Burgess’s mental health struggles and alcohol abuse following the breakdown of his marriage, saying he feared losing the family farm and believed divorce would be catastrophic.
Magistrate Andrew McKee granted Burgess bail and adjourned sentencing until October.
Burgess has a statue of himself in the Geeveston town centre and is a two-time world champion.
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