AFL Star's Half-Brother Convicted of Child Sex Offences
In a disturbing case that has rocked the Australian sporting community, Matthew Leppitsch has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The 27-year-old faced Victoria's County Court on Tuesday, convicted on three charges of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and one count of committing an indecent act on a child.
Unexpected Contact During Trial
The court proceedings took an unexpected turn when prosecutor Charlotte Duckett revealed that Justin Leppitsch, Matthew's half-brother and a prominent Collingwood AFL official, had contacted the victim's father during the trial. Ms Duckett insisted this information be placed on the official court transcript, citing concerns about "behaviors exhibited during the trial."
"I've been instructed to put on the record that post the verdict in this matter, the offender's half-brother, Justin Leppitsch, contacted [the victim's] father by telephone and sent text messages about the trial," Ms Duckett told the court.
Victim's Harrowing Testimony
The court heard how Matthew Leppitsch violated his victim on two separate occasions at his family's Mount Eliza home on the Mornington Peninsula. The abuse began when the victim was just 13 years old and Leppitsch was 18, with the first incident occurring when the girl entered his bedroom to watch a movie.
"I don't feel comfortable with you being in that room," the victim's mother said when she opened the bedroom door, prompting the victim to leave. The girl later told her mother "nothing happened" because she feared getting into trouble.
The second violation occurred months later, with the court hearing that Leppitsch "took advantage of the dynamics of the families" during social gatherings. The victim kept the abuse secret for years before eventually confiding in a friend, then her mother, leading to police involvement.
Powerful Victim Impact Statement
The victim delivered a passionate impact statement directly addressing her abuser. "Matthew Earl Leppitsch, since 2016 I have carried a devastating secret suppressed by the weight of what you did to me," she told the court.
She described how the abuse had "profound and lifelong consequences," affecting her ability to form healthy relationships and causing persistent flashbacks and trauma. "You exploited my innocence and my silence, fully aware of the destruction your choices would cause," she said.
The victim expressed particular distress about Leppitsch now having a young daughter. "To know you now have a young daughter, who will one day be 13-years-old like I was when you took advantage of me, sickens me to my stomach," she stated.
Defence Arguments and Character References
The defence presented 21 character references and letters of support for Matthew Leppitsch, who was accompanied in court by 14 family members and friends. Supporters described him as "honest and trustworthy" and a "safe person."
The court heard that Leppitsch came from a "somewhat privileged upbringing" with "nerdy interests." He has studied business at university, purchased a house, and maintained a long-term relationship. He was also described as a "very devoted" father to his daughter with "ongoing involvement" in coaching sports teams.
Defence lawyers argued that Leppitsch's time in custody would be particularly difficult due to his anxiety and recent autism diagnosis. The court also heard about an unspecified "matter" involving Leppitsch's cellmate that "hasn't been reported and nor will it be."
Notable Absence and Background
Noticeably absent from the hearing was Justin Leppitsch, Matthew's half-brother and a well-known figure in Australian Rules football. Justin Leppitsch played for the Brisbane Lions during their triple-premiership era and has since held coaching positions at Richmond and Collingwood, where he currently serves as General Manager of talent.
Justin Leppitsch was sacked as senior coach of the Brisbane Lions in 2016 and worked as an assistant coach at Richmond during their premiership reign between 2017 and 2020 before joining Collingwood in 2021.
Judge Kevin Doyle acknowledged the significant impact of the offending on the victim and remanded Matthew Leppitsch for sentencing at a later date. The court declined to name those who provided character references on Leppitsch's behalf.
