Lake freed from jail in Japan
BRIAN Lake’s Japanese jail ordeal is over after the Norm Smith medallist was last night released from an Osaka police station after six days in custody.
Lake, 36, had been detained in the multi-storey Minami police station since early on Sunday morning in Osaka after a late-night altercation.
He walked out tired but free just before 5.30pm Melbourne time last night and was not charged with any offence.
Mediation was a crucial element of the process, with a written and verbal apology to the victim of the alleged incident being the key for the former Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs player to be released.
His concerned manager Marty Pask had been in Osaka since late on Wednesday night in an effort to assist his client.
Lake was also being assisted by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but strict Japanese custom meant it was a delicate fight for his legal team to balance.
He could have been held for up to 23 days without charge as is allowed under Japanese law.
The former AFL star’s time in custody included strict visitation requirements and tough conditions, with prisoners believed to be allowed just three bowls of rice per day.
Lake had travelled to Osaka last week to compete in an AFL Asia tournament after a stint in Bali.
Friends of Lake – including Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney – have expressed their concern for the three-time premiership player in recent days, with Cooney describing the past six months, which has included marriage trouble, as the “most stressful point” in his close mate’s life.