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Lovett on trial for alleged rape

By Mr Dandalooa

Sacked St Kilda footballer Andrew Lovett has been committed to stand trial for rape following an alleged incident at the end of last year.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Jelena Popovic said this afternoon there was enough evidence on which Lovett should face trial. He is charged with twice raping a woman at a Melbourne apartment of his then team-mates Jason Gram and Sam Fisher on Christmas Eve.

It’s understood 27-year-old Lovett will face the Victorian County Court on September 9 for what should be a directions hearing.

While defence barrister David Grace QC has made no submissions on behalf of his client, during a 2-day committal hearing, former team-mate Andrew McQualter told the court how he lashed out the former Saint shortly after he was accused of raping the woman.

The woman has alleged she said “no” to Lovett during the alleged attack and that at the time she thought it was another player who has entered the bedroom.

Emails from FootyGoss, which has covered the story since it broke in December, to the St Kilda Football Club have gone unanswered.

Eastern states news reports this week said four St Kilda players have given evidence about what happened at the end-of-year celebrations, but that they are no likely to give evidence for or against the prosecution or defence.

McQualter allegedly confronted Lovett after the alleged victim ran out crying on the alleged night, but he denied any wrongdoing.

Lovett has said that the sex was consensual.

The committal hearing continues.