Matthew Leppitsch Sentenced for Child Sex Offences Involving 13-Year-Old Victim
Matthew Leppitsch, the 27-year-old half-brother of AFL legend Justin Leppitsch, has been sentenced to a minimum of two years and eight months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The Melbourne County Court handed down the sentence on Wednesday, with a maximum term of four years and ten months. Leppitsch was convicted on three charges of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and one charge of committing an indecent act on a child, resulting in his registration as a sex offender for life.
Details of the Assaults and Court Proceedings
The court heard that the assaults occurred on multiple occasions during social gatherings at the Leppitsch family home in Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula. The abuse began almost a decade ago when Leppitsch was 18 years old and the victim was just 13. In one incident, the victim entered Leppitsch's bedroom to watch a movie but was subjected to an unwanted sexual act in what was described as an 'opportunistic' attack. The offending only stopped when the victim's mother opened the bedroom door and instructed her daughter to leave the room.
The victim initially kept the assaults secret out of fear but later disclosed them to a friend, then her mother, before police were notified. The court was told that Leppitsch exploited family dynamics and told the victim 'no one will know,' acting as if nothing had happened after the second violation. Judge Kevin Doyle noted that the relationship between the families had been 'destroyed' by the offending.
Victim Impact Statement and Emotional Testimony
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, delivered a powerful victim impact statement in court, expressing the profound and lifelong consequences of the assaults. She stated, 'Matthew Earl Leppitsch, since 2016 I have carried a devastating secret suppressed by the weight of what you did to me. You sexually assaulted me on two separate occasions and for years I hid the truth, but now I'm finally reclaiming my voice.'
She described ongoing trauma, including persistent flashbacks and difficulties forming healthy relationships. The victim also expressed disgust that Leppitsch now has a young daughter who will one day be the same age she was during the assaults. She concluded by saying, 'You're finally being held accountable for the trauma you inflicted and now it's not just me that knows but instead everyone else. Shame on you.'
Revelation About Justin Leppitsch's Contact with Victim's Father
During the proceedings, prosecutor Charlotte Duckett revealed that Justin Leppitsch, the General Manager of talent at Collingwood and a former triple-premiership Brisbane Lions player, had contacted the victim's father by telephone and text message during the trial in November last year. Duckett insisted this information be placed on the court transcript due to 'behaviors exhibited during the trial.'
Justin Leppitsch, who appeared briefly via video feed with a framed 'number 23' jumper of his premiership star son in the background, was among family members who supported Matthew throughout the proceedings. The court heard that 14 family members and friends were present in support, with 21 character references submitted on Matthew's behalf, though the identities of those providing references were not disclosed.
Background and Mitigating Factors
The court heard that Matthew Leppitsch came from a 'somewhat privileged upbringing' and had 'nerdy interests.' He studied business at university, purchased a house, and was in a long-term relationship. Described as a 'very devoted' father to his daughter, he also had ongoing involvement in coaching sports teams. His defense submitted that his time in custody would be more challenging due to anxiety and a recent autism diagnosis.
Leppitsch had been accepted into the Royal Australian Air Force after being charged but was unable to take up the position. He also made the final stages of recruitment for Fire Rescue Victoria but had to withdraw after being remanded in custody. Additionally, he worked for Camp America and studied business and marketing at RMIT.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Judge Doyle emphasized that the victim was 'entitled to feel safe' and that Leppitsch had committed a 'breach of trust.' He noted there was no evidence of remorse from Leppitsch. Matthew Leppitsch, who has spent 127 days on remand, was convicted on all charges and will serve his sentence at Hopkins Correctional Centre.
Justin Leppitsch, who was sacked as senior coach of the Brisbane Lions in 2016 and served as an assistant coach at Richmond during their premiership reign, now works at Collingwood. The case highlights the severe legal and personal consequences of child sex offences, with the victim's statement underscoring the lasting impact of such crimes.
