In the Perth District Court today Collingwood footballer Marley Williams received a 12 month sentence, wholly suspended, after being found guilty in February of causing grievous bodily harm.

Williams has accepted all along that he made a mistake, an error of judgement that has put many people through an ordeal.  

Williams this afternoon issued the following statement:

“I would like to apologise to all of those hurt, one way or another, by my actions. I’m deeply sorry for the pain I’ve caused a lot of people. The last 16 months have not been easy for anyone involved.

“I want to thank my family, friends and football club for their support throughout an extremely trying time. I look forward to quietly getting on with my life with a new understanding of the harm one bad decision can cause.

“I have certainly learned that, regardless of the circumstances, you have to be strong enough to walk away. To be the better man.

“I’m relieved and grateful for the opportunity to return to football, a game I value and respect in a new way after what I have put myself and others through.”

Williams will not be making any further comment.