Country Footballers Jailed for Child Sexual Abuse

Two country footballers, Jaiden Fidge, 24, of Toowoomba, and Riley Smith, 26, of Albury, have been jailed for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl at a party. Both men pleaded guilty to sexual penetration of a child under 16, with Smith facing two counts of the offense.

The Offense and Court Proceedings

The sentencing took place in the County Court in Geelong, presided over by Judge Gerard Mullaly. The court heard that Fidge and Smith, who played AFL in Queensland and New South Wales respectively, met online. They attended a party in Victoria's Surf Coast Shire in February 2024, where they encountered the victim.

The victim informed them she was 14 years old; Smith reportedly told her he was 17.

Details of the Abuse

Fidge reportedly lured the victim outside, where Smith joined him. Neither man used a condom during the abuse. Fidge was later heard making degrading comments to other guests after the incident.

Following the initial assault, Smith messaged the victim on Snapchat, asking her to come outside again, where he abused her a second time.

Investigation and Confessions

Both men initially lied to police but later admitted their crimes. Forensic samples collected by investigators matched their DNA, confirming their involvement.

Sentences Handed Down

Judge Mullaly sentenced Fidge to four years and nine months in prison, with a non-parole period of three years.

Smith received a total effective sentence of five years and 11 months, with a non-parole period of three years and 10 months.

Judge's Condemnation

Judge Mullaly described their conduct as "abhorrent" and "shameful," noting an "element of an abhorrent male bravado" and grading their moral culpability as high.

He acknowledged the "considerable and enduring adverse impacts on the victim and her family," while also considering the men's guilty pleas, remorse, and potential isolation in prison due to lack of local connections.

Victim's Enduring Trauma

A victim statement read in court described feeling dirty, insecure, ashamed, and embarrassed, leading to self-harm. The victim reported experiencing nightmares and being triggered by males of similar age and the smell of alcohol.

Her father described her as being in a "catatonic state" after the incident and expressed guilt for not keeping her safe. The court acknowledged the "considerable and enduring adverse impacts on the victim and her family."