NRL club responds to de Belin trial
The St George Illawarra Dragons have confirmed Jack de Belin remains subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy after a jury found him not guilty on one charge of sexual assault after his trial in the NSW District Court.
The NRL forward and his friend Callan Sinclair had each pleaded not guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident inside a North Wollongong unit on December 9, 2018.
On Monday, they were both found not guilty on one count of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent relating to one specific sexual act during the incident.
However, the jury of eight men and four women were ultimately dismissed after declaring they could not agree on five other counts before the court.
Jack de Belin, the St George Dragon and ex-NSW State of Origin Rugby League superstar leaves Downing Centre Court on Monday afternoon.Source:Matrix
De Belin has not represented the Dragons since 2018, having been stood down by the NRL in February 2019.
“The Jack de Belin court matter did not reach a verdict on five of the six charges as a result of a hung jury in Sydney District Court on Monday,” the Dragons statement read.
“De Belin was however found not guilty of a sixth charge.
“De Belin remains subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy.
“The next steps concerning all facets of matter are yet to be established.
“The Dragons will continue to provide the necessary welfare support to de Belin and his family.
“As this remains a legal matter, the club will make no further comment at this time.”
The Dragons have made the following statement regarding Jack de Belin #redv
Speaking to 2GB, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo confirmed de Belin will “be free to play” if the Director of Public Prosecutions chooses not to pursue a third trial.
“It’s a tough but a fair rule, but it’s one that’s been affirmed by the Federal Court,” Abdo said on Monday.
“This rule is there for the right reasons, it’s there to protect the game.”
Mr de Belin and Mr Sinclair’s matter will return to court on May 28.
— with NCA NewsWire
Source: Read Full Article