on Monday Kurtley Beale, a member of the Wallabies, will begin his trial for sexual assault on Monday.
The jurors have been instructed to maintain an unbiased viewpoint as they get ready to listen to accusations that professional rugby player Kurtley Beale committed sexual assault against a woman at a pub in Sydney.
The 35-year-old rugby player was accused of committing sexual assault and inappropriate touching against a 28-year-old woman. Due to legal reasons, the woman’s identity cannot be revealed.
The reported incidents took place at the Beach Road hotel, located near Bondi Beach, in December of 2022.
Beale has entered a plea of not guilty for one charge of non-consensual sexual intercourse and two charges of sexual touching.
On Monday morning, a panel of jurors was selected for a 10-day trial at Sydney’s Downing Centre district court.
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According to Crown prosecutor Jeff Tunks, it is alleged that Beale touched the complainant in the public bar and engaged in non-consensual oral intercourse with them in a men’s bathroom cubicle.
According to Margaret Cunneen SC, the defense attorney for Beale, there are certain individuals in the community who quickly pass judgement on athletes who have been accused of criminal offenses.
“She stated that we do not require individuals of that type to serve on juries in our state.”
Encouraging the jury to remain impartial, Cunneen emphasized that the accusations against Beale must be based solely on the evidence presented.
Cunneen stated that the CCTV footage that will be shown to the jury may contradict certain accusations against Beale.
On Monday morning, a panel consisting of seven women and five men was chosen, and on Tuesday, they are scheduled to hear opening statements and review evidence, including CCTV footage and testimony from the person making the accusation.
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The jury was informed by Judge Graham Turnbull that Beale is presumed innocent. The prosecution is responsible for proving their case against him with strong evidence.
The reduced amount of time spent sitting during public holidays indicates that the trial will likely last for three weeks.
The player from Waratahs and Wallabies has represented Australia 95 times, and has also played for Wasps in England and Racing 92 in France.
Source: theguardian.com
