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Lovett on rape charge

By Mr Dandalooa

ST Kilda recruit Andrew Lovett has been charged with rape with raping a woman at a Port Melbourne apartment, according to media reports.

It is alleged Lovett raped the woman after a night out with fellow team-mates.

Police would not confirm that Lovett had been charged but a spokesperson said: “A 27-year-old Port Melbourne man has been charged with one count of rape” and would appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.

FootyGoss understands that South Melbourne detectives have charged Lovett on summons.

Lovett who was traded by Essendon during the off-season and is accused of raping a woman at a Port Melbourne apartment in December 2009 after a drinking session with another teammate at the Royal Saxon Hotel in Richmond.

It’s understood detectives were investigating the AFL speedster Lovett since last December.

He was suspended by the Saints after the alleged incident and has not been permitted to train with the club since December.

Lovett was questioned by police last month but was released without charge.

Police allege that the woman was asleep when the alleged sexual assault occurred.

St Kilda Football Club today released a statement on Lovett’s AFL future.

“St Kilda Football Club has today been informed that Saints player, Andrew Lovett, has been charged by Victoria Police with one count of rape,” the club posted on its website.

“The club is currently considering its position in light of these recent developments and the charges brought against its recent recruit, Andrew Lovett.

“At this current time the club is not in a position to make any further comment.”