The Cairns Post

Taylor faces assault charge

- BEN HORNE

TROUBLED Sydney Swans star Elijah Taylor has been charged with aggravated assault following an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend Lekahni Pearce.

The charge comes a week after Pearce, 18, made allegation­s against him on social media.

It is understood Taylor was arrested by Western Australian police and spent more than five hours being interviewe­d before being released.

Multiple sources have confirmed that Pearce is the victim of the alleged assault, which it is believed took place in the Perth CBD on Sunday.

“Cannington detectives have charged a 19-year-old man following an incident in Perth yesterday morning, 13 September 2020,” said a statement from WA police.

“It is alleged that between 6am and 8am the man assaulted an 18-year-old woman who is known to him at a hotel in the Perth CBD.

“The 19-year-old man from Maroubra (NSW) has been charged with aggravated assault occasionin­g bodily harm and was bailed to appear in the

Perth Magistrate­s Court on Wednesday 30 September 2020.”

The incident is separate to allegation­s made against Taylor by Pearce on social media, which allegedly occurred in NSW.

Swans coach John Longmire said on Sunday the club was aware of the latest alleged incident. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigat­ing Pearce’s allegation­s on social media.

Sydney left Taylor in Perth on the weekend so that he could be with his family while the team went to Queensland to finish the AFL season.

 ?? Picture: PHIL HILLYARD ?? Sydney's Elijah Taylor played four games before he was suspended. He stayed behind in Western Australia when the Swans moved into their Cairns hub.
Picture: PHIL HILLYARD Sydney's Elijah Taylor played four games before he was suspended. He stayed behind in Western Australia when the Swans moved into their Cairns hub.

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