Shocking alleged details emerge as a former AFL star is accused of jealousy-fuelled attack on MAFS ex-girlfriend

Daily Mail​

6 days ago

A former AFL star appeared in court on Thursday, having been charged with nine domestic violence-related charges following an alleged incident with his former girlfriend.
Perth Magistrates Court that Ryan Crowley, 41, was accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend Lauren Dunn at a home in Claremont, WA, on Tuesday.
Crowley is alleged to have strangled Dunn, a reality television star who had previously appeared on Married at First Sight, the court was told. Crowley is also alleged to have smothered her face with a pillow after he became incensed about email correspondence he found on her laptop with another person.
Members of the court were told that Dunn, had invited him over to an apartment in Claremont, WA, on Tuesday evening.
The court had been told that the pair had a stop-start relationship over a five-year period between 2018 and 2023.
Dunn lives in Sydney and had asked her former partner if he wanted to catch up.
Following his arrival, the pair were embroiled in a verbal dispute, with Dunn asking Crowley to leave more than once, but he continually refused.
Dunn then called triple-0, but Crowley allegedly threatened her as she attempted to dial the emergency services.
Terrified, Dunn told the operator that the call was made in error and hung up.
Crowley, who made 188 appearances for Fremantle and eight for Essendon, had allegedly taken Dunn's phone before finding her laptop. Upon logging into the computer, he allegedly searched through her correspondence on the machine.
Prosecutors said the former footy player found messages between her and another man, prompting him to allegedly throw the victim to the floor.
He allegedly strangled Dunn who lost consciousness before Crowley let go, the court heard.
Upon coming back around, Dunn began to cry for help, but Crowley had allegedly proceeded to choke her again.
It is also alleged that Crowley later violently shook her slamming her head onto the floor multiple times.
Crowley, who was drafted as a No 55 pick to Fremantle in the 2002 draft, later refused her requests to leave the house, instead sitting on her sofa and asking her to 'cuddle him'.
The court also heard he had again refused to leave, instead staying over at the home that night, before allegedly stopping her from leaving in the morning.
Upon her attempts to leave the home, Crowley had allegedly blocked her exit. She shouted out again for help, but as she tried to leave, Crowley allegedly scratched her midriff.
The court heard that he had again allegedly pinned her down, grabbed her throat and squeezed her neck while covering her mouth to prevent her from breathing. He is also alleged to have pressed a pillow into her face.
Crowley eventually stopped, after Dunn had lost consciousness once again.
Dunn, a PR consultant who has over 246,000 followers on Instagram, had pleaded with the accused to give her her phone back, but was fearful of provoking him.
She then escaped the home via the bathroom, running to a nearby cafe, where the court was told she was able to message a friend.
Crowley was subsequently arrested at Perth Train Station and charged.
Crowley denied the severity of the allegations during the court hearing.
His lawyer also said the former football player had disputed the physical contact between the pair.
Crowley was granted bail with a $20,000 surety and was ordered not to leave Western Australia.
As part of his bail conditions, he is prohibited from contacting Dunn.
Crowley will now appear in court again on July 24.
If you or someone you know is being impacted by domestic or family violence or sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Contact the Men's Referral Service if you are concerned about domestic violence: 1300 766 491.