Sydney Roosters player Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been acquitted of all charges relating to domestic violence against his former partner, Jessica Peris.
Kenny-Dowall was facing 11 charges: one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, six counts of common assault, stalking and intimidation, using a carriage service to menace and harass, and malicious damage to Ms Peris’ mobile phone.
According to the ABC, Magistrate Gregory Grogin said of Peris, “I did not find her to be an entirely truthful witness”, and also called Peris’ evidence “calculated, evasive and intentionally framed”.
Following the breakdown of the pair’s relationship, Peris – the daughter of former Olympian and now Northern Territory senator Nova Peris – had gone to the Roosters seeking money and accommodation, before going to the police.
Mr Grogin called approaching the club before the authorities “highly unusual”, while Kenny-Dowall’s lawyers called it “opportunistic and deceitful”.
Kenny-Dowall left Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court without speaking to the media, having broken down in tears when the verdict was handed down.
The New Zealand representative was initially arrested in July last year, and a few days later was admitted to Wesley Hospital, struggling with mental health issues.
Kenny-Dowall will begin the NRL season on Sunday, with the Roosters set to face the Rabbitohs.
Karlos
Guest
By making false allegations and demanding money, Peris herself is guilty of emotional, psychological,financial and social abuse. She is the abusive one who has committed domestic violence against kenny dowell.
BeastieBoy
Guest
God Bless Shaun Kenny-Dowell. His girlfriend had accused a previous boyfriend according to the internet. Shaun wears his heart on the outside of his jersey. He will move on, learn from this and only grow and improve. Justice was done. Another instalment of the man hate circulating in the media. Baird shame on you. You and your arrogance are out next election. Cant come soon enough. Tweet your way through that.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! Gender politics out of control yet again ! The rabid media backed the wrong sick puppy this time !
MAX
Guest
Muzz, Mr Baird is referee material.
Pepper Jack
Guest
After a few go arounds, she's now shacked up with former News boss John Hartigan. That's one way to keep your job
Agent11
Guest
its quite disgusting there are journo's who's bias against Rugby League and personal agendas get in the way of their respect for truth and justice. Wilson and Fitzsimon need to have a break and take a long hard look at themselves. Some of their "journalism" is really quite irresponsible.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Rebecca Wilson with a publicly known DUI charge on not one ,but two occasions.If anyone is in a position to formulate a moral viewpoint in the print media, on the SKD allegation ATT,she would be the last person for anyone to seek advice or indeed be lectured by. Similar pre judgement comments against individuals were made by this journalist, when the Sharks were involved in the ASADA debacle. How she retains her job,is beyond human undertstanding.
East Bound and Down
Guest
Yet he does all he can to appease certain sections of the community with a history of less than honourable treatment of women ....deadest hypocrite .
leo
Guest
Incredible media bias from go to woe.
Dr Yes
Guest
She's jumped on the wrong bandwagon. Not the only time. Heaping pressure on someone she doesn't know and has no details on. She's like a banshee if she thinks sports people or administrators do wrong or aren't responsible for their own actions. She's wrong on this. Let's see if she makes amends or is a hypocrite. Know which way I'm betting.
Dr Yes
Guest
nerval
Guest
For those who didn't read it, here's Fitzsimons' article on Stewart. It is placed specifically in the context of the latter's "acquittal" in court. It seems you just can't win. http://www.smh.com.au/sport/someone-needs-to-speak-to-brett-stewart-20150522-gh7map.html
Muzz
Guest
Baird wanted SKD stood down immediately. Hang your head in shame!
nerval
Guest
Has Peter Fitzsimons ever apologised for what he wrote about Brett Stewart? Indeed, it was only last year, when Fitzy had a go about Stewart"s after-try celebrations, insinuating that they were somehow inappropriate after what happened - or rather didn't happen! - before. Who can ever again blame Stewart for not wanting to deal with the press?
American Dave
Guest
No worries Jack, thanks for the info. I am not wanting to seem like I condemning the Roosters for how they handled the situation, just wanted to raise the aspect that maybe the discretion should be taken away from the players and the clubs in situations involving serious charges. Not saying ostracise them, but it seems like the first reaction when these things happen is "will they play" which may not be the best approach.
Jack
Guest
Haha. I would love to see those apologies too Jimmmy. That aside...good luck on your selection for the Cowboys
Jack
Guest
I just had a look at that just before I saw you post it. Thanks Norad. I hope the likes of Baird and Wilson come forward with some human comment. Kenny-Dowall broke down after the verdict, which would be fair enough after 8 months of hell
Jack
Guest
Hey Dave. Nobody is perfect with their information. Not trying to prove you wrong but did want to set straight that Kenny-Dowall was rested for 2 months. Here is a link: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/sydney-roosters/sydney-roosters-jake-friend-says-shaun-kennydowall-brings-a-buzz-20150905-gjfvpt.html Quote from the article: "Kenny-Dowall was rested for two months because the club was worried about his welfare after allegations of domestic violence were made against him" So Dutski had a point. He was managed as well as possible. I understand footy players are not perfect people but I think in this case he was genuinely depressed about the whole case. I hope he will be okay now
East Bound & Down
Guest
In this country democracy is becoming so diluted and misinterpreted that it is almost a dirty word ,,,
Agent11
Guest
Well of course there will be no apology however SKD may be able to sue.