Former Fremantle Dockers, Essendon Bombers midfielder Ryan Crowley accused of violent attack on MAFS ex girlfriend

Francesca De Nuccio, Cassidy Mosconi and Bryce Luff
7NEWS
Police say he strangled her and smothered her face with a pillow until she passed out when he found emails between her and another man.

Former Fremantle Docker Ryan Crowley has appeared in court accused of a jealousy-fuelled attack on his former girlfriend, ex-Married at First Sight bride Lauren Dunn.

Crowley, 41, allegedly strangled Dunn, 34, and smothered her face with a pillow until she passed out when he became enraged about email conversations between her and another man.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Former AFL player accused of violent attack.

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The Perth Magistrates Court was told the pair got into a verbal argument shortly after she had invited him over to her Claremont apartment about 8pm on Tuesday, before it escalated into violence.

After their verbal spat, Dunn asked Crowley to leave and even phoned triple-0 when he refused, the court was told.

It is alleged she chose to tell the operator the call was a mistake and ended it because she was frightened.

The court was told Crowley then snatched Dunn’s phone and searched her laptop for proof that she had cheated on him, and assaulted her when he came across messages from another man.

Crowley allegedly threw the victim to the floor, with her head slamming on the ground.

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While she was on the floor, it is alleged Crowley strangled the PR-guru, grabbing her around the neck and using his hand to cover her mouth and nose.

The pair struggled and Dunn lost consciousness for some time, before the accused let go, the court was told.

Former Docker Ryan Crowley is accused of attacking former girlfriend Lauren Dunn.
Former Docker Ryan Crowley is accused of attacking former girlfriend Lauren Dunn. Credit: Instagram

It is alleged that when Dunn, who was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Crowley between 2018 and 2023, cried out for help she was assaulted again.

It is alleged Crowley violently shook her, slamming her head on the ground multiple times.

The next thing she remembers is Crowley lying on her couch and asking her to come cuddle him, the court was told.

When she told him to leave, he allegedly said no and instead got into bed beside her. She allegedly could not call for help because Crowley had her phone and laptop.

The next morning Crowley allegedly stopped her from leaving her home through the front door, grabbing her shirt and scratching her stomach, leaving her bleeding and with swelling.

When she tried to stop him going through her laptop, he allegedly grabbed her by the neck and squeezed before covering her face with a pillow and pushing down hard.

The court was told she again lost consciousness before Crowley got off her.

Dunn broke down in tears, terrified, and begging for her phone, the court was told, before she able to run to a nearby cafe and call for help.

Crowley has denied the claims.
Crowley has denied the claims. Credit: Theron Kirkman/AAPIMAGE

The former footballer was later arrested at Perth Train Station and charged with nine domestic violence-related charges.

The prosecution says this incident is serious and Crowley could be facing substantial prison time if found guilty.

Crowley denies the accusations.

In court, his lawyer described the pair’s relationship as “turbulent”.

But when the prosecution spoke on the reality star’s alleged injuries, Crowley’s defence was that Dunn told him she got bruising during a recent holiday.

The ex-Docker was granted bail, needing to raise $20,000 in surety and $20,000 in personal bail money.

As part of his conditions, he must not leave WA and must not contact Dunn.

He will next appear in court in July.

Crowley played 196 AFL games, with 188 of those with Fremantle and a further eight for Essendon where he was a top-up player following the supplements saga.

He claimed Fremantle’s Doig Medal in 2012 as the side’s best and fairest player, and was among the club’s best during the grand final loss to Hawthorn the following season.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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