A woman who once represented her state in football has admitted to pointing a gun at a terrified teenager and her sister during a meth-fueled home invasion last year.
Lela Spotswood, pictured in 2016 when she was appointed captain of the Tasmanian team to participate in the national female diversity championships, now faces serious charges related to an incident on April 30, 2024.
According to Crown counsel Amit Sharma, Spotswood and her co-accused, who was her drug dealer, drove to a private residence in Red Hills armed with firearms. At about 6:10 pm, the pair entered the home through an unlocked door and encountered the three occupants: the homeowner and his two teenage daughters.
Mr. Sharma stated that Spotswood pointed her weapon at the “terrified” 16-year-old, who was standing protectively in front of her 14-year-old sister. Meanwhile, her co-accused aimed a gun at the male homeowner and demanded cash and drugs. The man handed over $1400. When questioned about the large amount of cash, he explained that he worked in the mining industry.
The state’s evidence supporting the charges includes a DNA match and CCTV footage of the vehicle used during the incident. In addition to the cash, the pair stole keys to the homeowner’s Toyota Hilux, clothing, and jewelry.
Mr. Sharma highlighted the seriousness of the crime, emphasizing that it was an aggravating factor that the offenses occurred in the presence of children. The 16-year-old victim feared that Spotswood intended to kill her when the firearm was pointed directly at her.
In response to the defense counsel’s argument that no physical injuries were sustained by the victims, Mr. Sharma argued that the psychological harm caused by Spotswood’s actions was immense. He noted that the teenage girl missed a significant amount of school and her academic performance suffered as a result of the trauma.
“The impact on the father was profound,” Mr. Sharma said. “He had to give up his mining job in Western Australia.”
This disturbing case highlights the far-reaching effects of violent crime, not only on physical safety but also on mental health and family well-being. The court proceedings continue as the community awaits justice.
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*Image Caption: Lela Spotswood in 2016, appointed captain of the Tasmanian team for the national female diversity championships. (File Picture)*
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/9068389/former-child-sports-star-pleads-to-horror-armed-robbery/?src=rss