Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
A decision on whether to charge four Sydney Swans players over an alleged incident at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel has been delayed, with police not reaching a decision on Wednesday.
Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Nick Blakey are under investigation by Victoria Police Sexual Crimes Squad after the force received complaints that women were inappropriately touched and slapped by men at the hotel on August 17.
The Herald Sun reported on Wednesday morning that a decision on potential charges was imminent. However, AFL journalist Tom Morris later revealed the investigation had been delayed and an outcome would not yet be released.
According to the outlet, the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions has not yet received a brief of evidence to review from police, but that the public prosecutor is expected to review such a brief soon; and then give advice on the likelihood of a successful prosecution.
“There is no update to provide at this stage. Where there are updates we are able to release, we will distribute those directly to media,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
The four players, as well as defender Riley Bice, were suspended for the remainder of the Swans’ season for breaching club standards, though Bice has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Warner, Heeney, Jordon and Blakey have maintained their innocence since the beginning of the investigation.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
with NCA Newswire
