Arabic version: تبرئة لاعبي سيدني سوانز من التهم الجنائية
According to ABC News, Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey will not face criminal charges following a Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel in late August.
Victoria Police said it would not proceed with charges after a thorough investigation and legal advice, citing insufficient evidence. Police said they would make no further comment because of an ongoing civil matter. The investigation concerned an allegation that a player touched one of several women without consent after the Swans’ August 17 win against Essendon.
The four players had been stood down by the club in the days after the incident for staying out late drinking and inviting women back to the team hotel in breach of club standards. Fellow Swans player Riley Bice, who was also stood down over club-standards breaches, had previously been cleared in the investigation.
Lawyers said three women are pursuing civil lawsuits related to the allegations. Jackson Pannam of Slater and Gordon, representing one woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted, said she was devastated by the police decision and would continue with a civil case. John Karantzis of Carbone Lawyers, acting for two women in a civil claim against the club, said his clients were disappointed and distressed and would pursue their claim.
In a statement, Heeney welcomed the police announcement, saying the previous three months had been incredibly difficult for his family and those close to him. He thanked his family, friends, the club, teammates, coaches, board, sponsors, members and fans, and said he was focused on being the best person and player he could be.
