Police to interview Dragons star George Burgess over ‘sexual touching’ allegation
- Thread starter pt73
- Start date
You make some good points.
But fyi, penalties for sexual assault (sexual intercourse without consent) are quite different to those for sexual touching (max 14 years vs max 5 years). And obviously there's a pretty wide variety of actions covered by each of those charges, from most serious to least serious.
As for he said/she said yes that is a common enough scenario, and yes some lawyers are more persuasive than others but you'd like to have some faith in a jury (if there is a jury) to be able to work out whether a witness is credible.
It's far from a perfect system. And the other point, nothing at all to do with your mate's son, or Burgess for that matter, but the criminal system is very tough on female victims of sexual offences. Rules of evidence have been tweaked in various ways but it remains fairly traumatic for victims and of course no guarantee that going through it all will result in a conviction, so many offences still remain unreported, or prosecutions fall over half way through when it gets too much.
Obviously sometimes there are also vindictive liars making false allegations. Like I said, its in no way a perfect system.
Actually a bond and some community service is not a bad result if you pleaded not guilty and went to trial in the District Court (no discount for remorse if you deny it happened).
Awfully sloppy reporting from the SMH.
As we all know, the police have no power to order a suspect to be interviewed!
On the contrary, they must tell you that you don't have to answer any questions.
(And any lawyer will advise you - do not answer any questions! )
DUFFMAN
Bencher
George Burgess cleared to play NRL as he faces sexual touching charge
George Burgess has earned a reprieve from the NRL as the St George Illawarra prop faces sexual touching charges.Fatima Kdouh and Brent Read
March 28, 2022 - 12:52PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
George Burgess has earned a reprieve after the NRL opted not to ban the St George Illawarra prop under the game’s no-fault stand-down policy.
Burgess was charged with sexual touching without consent last week after a woman made a complaint to NSW Police.
But CEO Andrew Abdo did not invoke discretionary powers to suspend the 29-year-old.
Players charged with a crime that carries a sentence of 11 years or longer are automatically stood down by the NRL.
The charge Burgess is facing carries a maximum five-year sentence and does not automatically trigger the no-fault stand-down policy.
It’s believed there are facts in the case that are being disputed.
The Coronavirus pandemic has also caused a backlog in the NSW court system and Burgess is likely to face a delay in having the matter heard.
Burgess was granted conditional bail and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, April 13.
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin will be free to select Burgess to take on the Parramatta Eels on Sunday.
Griffin had named Burgess in the extended squad to take on Cronulla last week but cut him from the side to avoid any potential distractions.
The NRL released a statement on Monday.
“So as not to prejudice Burgess’ criminal proceedings case, the NRL will wait the outcome of that case before taking any action for possible breaches of NRL rules.
“The decision in no way forms a judgement on the allegations against Burgess which are serious and the NRL reserves the right to impose a No Fault Stand Down in the future.”
St George Illawarra released a statement saying they acknowledged the NRL’s decision to not enforce the no-fault stand down policy on player George Burgess.
“Burgess will continue to train with the team and be considered for first grade selection,” the statement said.
“Out of the respect to the legal process now underway, the club will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.”
Wow ..The question has to be asked ....WHY !! has Burgess not been stood down, what makes him so special compared to the many NRL players who have been stood down over the years. Something smells here...George Burgess cleared to play NRL as he faces sexual touching charge
George Burgess has earned a reprieve from the NRL as the St George Illawarra prop faces sexual touching charges.
Fatima Kdouh and Brent Read
less than 2 min read
March 28, 2022 - 12:52PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...cbd0cc73580f5a63ca3a67ec4c912?amp#share-tools
Video-link
NRL: The Cronulla Sharks have claimed bragging rights over the St George Illawarra Dragons after dominating their rivals in the wet.
George Burgess has earned a reprieve after the NRL opted not to ban the St George Illawarra prop under the game’s no-fault stand-down policy.
Burgess was charged with sexual touching without consent last week after a woman made a complaint to NSW Police.
But CEO Andrew Abdo did not invoke discretionary powers to suspend the 29-year-old.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now >
Players charged with a crime that carries a sentence of 11 years or longer are automatically stood down by the NRL.
George Burgess trains with the Dragons. Picture: Julian Andrews
The charge Burgess is facing carries a maximum five-year sentence and does not automatically trigger the no-fault stand-down policy.
It’s believed there are facts in the case that are being disputed.
The Coronavirus pandemic has also caused a backlog in the NSW court system and Burgess is likely to face a delay in having the matter heard.
Burgess was granted conditional bail and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, April 13.
George Burgess (left) at training last week. Picture: Julian Andrews
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin will be free to select Burgess to take on the Parramatta Eels on Sunday.
Griffin had named Burgess in the extended squad to take on Cronulla last week but cut him from the side to avoid any potential distractions.
The NRL released a statement on Monday.
“So as not to prejudice Burgess’ criminal proceedings case, the NRL will wait the outcome of that case before taking any action for possible breaches of NRL rules.
“The decision in no way forms a judgement on the allegations against Burgess which are serious and the NRL reserves the right to impose a No Fault Stand Down in the future.”
St George Illawarra released a statement saying they acknowledged the NRL’s decision to not enforce the no-fault stand down policy on player George Burgess.
“Burgess will continue to train with the team and be considered for first grade selection,” the statement said.
“Out of the respect to the legal process now underway, the club will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.”
I'm not sure if it is the nrl's stance or just the journo writing but the line:
The Coronavirus pandemic has also caused a backlog in the NSW court system and Burgess is likely to face a delay in having the matter heard.
The covid delay hasn't come into play regarding Fainu's case at all - which sucks.
and...
“So as not to prejudice Burgess’ criminal proceedings case, the NRL will wait the outcome of that case before taking any action for possible breaches of NRL rules.
-what the actual 'f'...?
The whole point of their no-fault stand down rule, which they trumpeted ad-nauseum, was to say that players could be stood down with no prejudice on any court proceedings, just that their action brought the game into disrepute!!!
Now I understand the sentence isn't an 11 year max sentence therefore an automatic stand down situation, but those reasons are very inconsistent.
The Coronavirus pandemic has also caused a backlog in the NSW court system and Burgess is likely to face a delay in having the matter heard.
The covid delay hasn't come into play regarding Fainu's case at all - which sucks.
and...
“So as not to prejudice Burgess’ criminal proceedings case, the NRL will wait the outcome of that case before taking any action for possible breaches of NRL rules.
-what the actual 'f'...?
The whole point of their no-fault stand down rule, which they trumpeted ad-nauseum, was to say that players could be stood down with no prejudice on any court proceedings, just that their action brought the game into disrepute!!!
Now I understand the sentence isn't an 11 year max sentence therefore an automatic stand down situation, but those reasons are very inconsistent.
Shoe1
Journey Man
Did anyone read Weirdler on the weekend? He printed a hatchet job on the girl on behalf of the Burgess family - the girl wanted a jersey signed and met him somewhere (as if that makes it her fault somehow - that was the subtext). The Burgi are very quick to get info to Danny every time one of the brothers ****s up.
The rest of his column was a diatribe by Khoder Nasser. Weirdler basically is the mouthpiece for SBW and the Burgesses.
The rest of his column was a diatribe by Khoder Nasser. Weirdler basically is the mouthpiece for SBW and the Burgesses.
Karshy
Reserve Grader
The whole no fault stand down policy is a joke. The players association should have challenged this in court the day it was announced to protect the interest and rights of the players. The JbD ruling should have been appealed and tested at the highest level. The rule itself is prejudicial to cases of the players stood down given they are not applying it equally to all cases, and in some cases they are making a determination on guilt. A great example is Josh Reynolds and Dylan Walker. Both players were charged with the same thing, JR was allowed to play after the NRL determined he was not guilty, DW was stood down. Beyond the prejudicial nature of the rule , it also acts as a restraint of trade mechanism, in that players are unable to find contracts at the end of their contract if they are currently being stood down.
As GE said, totally inconsistent with the NRL's previous policy. Facts were also in dispute in Walker's case. So they now agree standing Walker down may have prejudiced his case????
When the rule was introduced Greenberg stressed it was not a judgement on his guilt or innocence.
Beattie said, "This is not about being popular, this is about sending a clear message the game does not tolerate violence, against women or children".
Unless the NRL 'looks at the case' and thinks you might be not guilty???
The other one that avoided a stand down was Sivo's indecent assault charge in Fiji. Which went away very very quietly. Just disappeared into thin air, actually!
Mmanly sho
Interesting that last week there was a case where someone was found guilty if a premeditated multiple stabbing which led to the victim spending time in hospital. Received less than 5 years so no way, even if found guilty, would Fainu receive anywhere near 11 years.
Time to stop sitting on your hands Manly and make some noise and stand up for your player.
Manly officials should be at NRL headquarters now demanding the same ruling for Fainu. NRL stating they don't want to prejudice the case means that Fainu's stand down can't remain.
Interesting that last week there was a case where someone was found guilty if a premeditated multiple stabbing which led to the victim spending time in hospital. Received less than 5 years so no way, even if found guilty, would Fainu receive anywhere near 11 years.
Time to stop sitting on your hands Manly and make some noise and stand up for your player.
47MVEagle
Bencher
I imagine the cowardly NRL chose not to enter the potential minefield of international litigation on that one?
Oh I know....the NRL high command are like the bunker boys...there using their discretion..lol.
MadMarcus
Toovey for NRL CEO
Why? He’s a Burgess. Simple as that.
Then why do we sit idly by while the nrl reams Manase and Manly sideways while others are koalas. Just another example of the pathetic nrl double standards applied by discretion. There's no way even if found guilty will Manase be given 11 years or more. What a fuking farce.
pt73
Bencher
It'll be a good look when he plays in the Women in League round, should be some protesters there targetting him unless he magically doesn't get picked that week.
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