“During the first year I was subjected to horrific violence. From being spat in the face, shoved … to having things thrown at me, to slapping and punching and strangling. He then set our house on fire and returned once he knew I was there to set more fires with a fly spray can and lighter.”
These are the words of a woman who has to watch media, sponsors and sporting organisations continually platform the man who brutalised her.
He is boxer and former Broncos player Luke Charles Modini. Google his name and you will see how feted this man is by the sporting fraternity.
Sponsorships include Elite Mechanical (@elitemechbne) and Soboer Formwork (@soboer_formwork).
And he is listed as a coach with Combat Sports Collosseum (@csc_boxing).
His media appearances include the major networks and guest spots on a multitude of podcasts.
Here’s what they are not telling you.
Modini was sentenced to two years behind bars in November of 2023 for assault and endangering a property by fire (both domestic violence offences). Some 123 days of pre-sentence custody was declared as time served with immediate release on parole. Charges of choking in a domestic relationship and arson were dropped.
He breached his parole and was returned to jail.
Publicly, he claimed the hiatus was due to a broken hand. Privately it was because he was behind bars.
The woman who survived his attacks was deeply honest about her experience.
Her circumstances were dire and she was trapped – this meant she had no choice but to remain in a relationship with him while he was on remand.
‘I had no means or truly leaving,” she says.
“I struggled with my choice, as he had been in control of any and all finances and decisions.
“I had no life and was scared of starting one.”
After his release the violence continued.
“Hitting me while we were driving, strangling me in the bathroom,” the woman says.
“It was a vicious cycle where I believed my only escape would be when he murdered me.
“I finally left when he broke his parole and was sent back to Jail. I had finally had enough and wanted to live a life without fear, worry and pain.”
She has started a new life – she has a car, a rental, a job and is back at university.
But everyday there are constant reminders of his abuse and that reminder comes from the media.
“I am subject to his professional boxing career,” she says.
“Coverage of him on news sites, promotions from sponsors and more.
“And I am left wondering at times how can this be allowed? How can this be right?
“A man with two separate convictions leading to domestic violence orders with two separate victims, is able to be promoted as an honest and hardworking man.”
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