Mesepa Selesa's lawyers urge ACT court to dismiss assault charges on mental health grounds
Ms Selesa is accused of assaulting two people following a women's Rugby League match last year, when she ran onto the field from the stands during a match between the West Belconnen Warriors and Queanbeyan Kangaroos.
Today she appeared in court, where she was to be sentenced for the alleged crimes.
But her lawyer Anthony Williamson has asked the court to drop the charges, saying Ms Selesa had been suffering from a major depressive disorder at the time, having just learned of her son's autism diagnosis.
The court heard she is also now 37 weeks pregnant.
The court viewed CCTV footage of the incident during today's hearing, when Ms Selesa was seen running onto the field before becoming involved in an altercation.
In the first incident Ms Selesa is alleged to have pushed and punched a 17-year-old player before dragging her by the hair.
The pair were separated by other spectators.
Moments later another person lunged at Ms Selesa, who allegedly responded by grabbing and then punching the woman, before they too were separated by onlookers.
Mr Williamson told the court a psychiatric report on Ms Selesa said her mental health issues at the time had "impacted on her abilities to make good judgements" and that she had shown extreme remorse, telling the psychiatric review "I was definitely in the wrong".
Magistrate Alexandra Burt expressed concern for the vulnerable victim.
"It's not a case of a single blow," Magistrate Burt said.
"It's not momentary."
"That's true but the entire episode lasted seconds," Mr Williamson said.
Mr Williamson asked the court to take into account the extra-currial punishment, which has seen Ms Selesa banned from attending matches for 10 years, which will mean she won't be able to see some of her children playing.
Magistrate Burt's suggestion they could play other sports drew a quick response from Mr Williamson.
"Her children are all going to play rugby."
Magistrate Burt said she appreciated it would be difficult for them but "they do have to deal with the reality".
The case will return to court next week for a ruling on whether the charges should be set aside, or if Ms Selesa should be sentenced.
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