Former NRLW player Maddison Studdon has been charged with stalking, intimidation, and using a carriage service to menace or harass following allegations related to the breakdown of a three-year relationship with her former partner. Ms. Studdon, 31, was arrested on Tuesday and granted bail on Wednesday after appearing in a Sydney court, where she entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
Charges and Arrest
Ms. Studdon, a former representative player for Australia and New South Wales, was arrested on Tuesday morning. She faces one count each of stalking and intimidating (domestic violence) and using a carriage service to menace or harass. New South Wales Police confirmed these charges.
Police documents allege the charges stem from incidents following the conclusion of her relationship with her former partner.
Allegations
According to police documents and allegations presented in court:
- Messages from Ms. Studdon to her former partner allegedly began on January 11.
- Police allege Ms. Studdon became "progressively fixated" last Sunday regarding her former partner's alleged intimate relationship with a man.
- Her former partner reportedly blocked Ms. Studdon on social media and sent a message instructing her not to contact her again.
- Detectives allege Ms. Studdon circumvented these blocks by calling on a private number 29 times, sending emails, and using bank transfers with messages in the descriptions to contact the woman.
- Messages cited in court documents include: "Check msgs, enjoy the dick. Can stop being suss and own up. You make m e [sic] go off cause what you're doing," and "Didn't need to use me jut so you cou ld [sic] see if something else would work."
- A police-obtained video from Monday allegedly shows Ms. Studdon accessing the woman's home, kicking on her door, and calling out, "You're having f***ing sex are ya?"
- On Tuesday, police allege Ms. Studdon posted an Instagram story, tagging the woman and another man, accusing them of infidelity.
- Later that Tuesday, police further allege Ms. Studdon approached her former partner outside her home, attempted to enter her car, and punched the side of the vehicle while the woman was calling Triple-Zero (000). She allegedly said, "F***ing own up, you're a cheater … explain yourself."
- Police have also applied for an apprehended domestic violence order, citing an alleged "throat-slitting gesture" made by Ms. Studdon.
- When questioned by officers, Ms. Studdon allegedly stated she wanted to confront the woman about the infidelity.
- Court documents reportedly state the alleged victim is "terrified that the accused is going to break into her premises and kill her" due to these incidents.
Court Proceedings
Ms. Studdon appeared via audio-visual link from Surry Hills Police Station at a Sydney bail court on Wednesday morning. Her lawyer, Javid Faiz, stated in court that Ms. Studdon would fight the charges and entered pleas of not guilty. Mr. Faiz also highlighted the importance of Ms. Studdon's NRLW career to her.
Prosecutor Christopher Manning argued against bail, describing Ms. Studdon as a "risk" to the alleged victim. However, bail was granted. Conditions for her bail include a $5,000 forfeiture and a prohibition on accessing social media.
The court was informed of a previous domestic violence conviction from 2015.
Ms. Studdon is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court next month.
Professional Background
Maddison Studdon, 31, is a former NSW Sky Blues captain and NRLW playmaker. She is not currently under contract with an NRLW club. Her last NRLW appearance was in Round 6 of last year for the Dragons, where she played as an injury replacement. Her lawyer informed the court of a contract opportunity with the Cowboys for the upcoming season. An attempt by the Warriors to sign her as an injury replacement in August was rejected by the NRL, as it was not considered a "like-for-like" signing.