Former rugby league professional Brett Seymour has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after a harrowing domestic violence incident left his former partner fearing for her life. The ex-Cronulla Sharks and New Zealand Warriors player was handed a wholly suspended 15-month jail term in a Queensland court this week.
The 39-year-old's legal troubles stem from a terrifying episode in April 2023, where he subjected his then-partner to a prolonged and violent assault. The court heard distressing details of the attack, which included Seymour grabbing the woman by the throat and threatening to kill her.
A Pattern of Abuse and Control
Magistrate Zachary Rydzik detailed the disturbing sequence of events, describing how Seymour's rage escalated over several hours. The former athlete first became aggressive after a day of drinking, accusing his partner of infidelity.
The situation deteriorated further when he physically prevented her from leaving their home, pushing her onto a bed during the struggle. The victim's attempt to escape through a window was met with Seymour dragging her back inside by the hair, intensifying the physical and psychological torment.
The Victim's Trauma
In a powerful victim impact statement presented to the court, the woman revealed the lasting psychological scars from the attack. She described suffering from severe anxiety, depression, and diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) directly resulting from Seymour's actions.
Her statement painted a picture of a woman living in constant fear, whose sense of safety and security has been fundamentally shattered by the traumatic experience.
The Court's Decision
Despite the severity of the offences, Magistrate Rydzik opted for a suspended sentence, citing Seymour's early guilty plea and demonstrated remorse as mitigating factors. The magistrate acknowledged the player's efforts at rehabilitation, including completing a men's behaviour change program.
However, Rydzik emphasised the seriousness of the crimes, stating: "Domestic violence is a scourge on our community. General deterrence is an important factor in matters such as this."
In addition to the suspended sentence, Seymour was placed on a two-year probation order and convicted of both assault and common assault. The court's decision means the former footballer will serve his time in the community rather than behind bars, conditional on his good behaviour.
This case adds to Seymour's history of off-field controversies, which previously included a 2013 conviction for drink-driving and a 2015 incident where he was fined for public nuisance.
