Jarryd Hayne, a former rugby league star, was found guilty on Tuesday of sexually assaulting a woman in her Newcastle home in 2018. The verdict came after a jury deliberated for several hours in the New South Wales District Court in Sydney, concluding a trial that has gripped Australia for years. Hayne, who once captained the Fiji national team and played for the Parramatta Eels, faced charges of aggravated sexual assault, with the jury returning a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts.
The case stems from an incident on August 25, 2018, when Hayne, then 30, visited the woman's home in the suburb of Maitland, about 160 kilometers north of Sydney. Prosecutors alleged that Hayne, who had been communicating with the woman via Snapchat, arrived uninvited and assaulted her after she let him into her bedroom. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, testified that Hayne bit her, causing injuries that required medical attention. Hayne denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual.
During the trial, which lasted three weeks, the court heard from multiple witnesses, including the victim, who described the assault in detail. Hayne's defense argued that the woman's injuries were self-inflicted or exaggerated, and they highlighted inconsistencies in her account. However, medical evidence presented showed injuries consistent with assault, including bruising and abrasions. The jury, composed of 12 members, deliberated for approximately six hours before reaching their decision.
Hayne, who retired from rugby league in 2020, has a history of legal troubles, including a previous trial in 2020 that ended in a hung jury. This conviction could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years, with sentencing scheduled for a later date. The case has drawn significant media attention in Australia, with Hayne's fall from grace as a celebrated athlete becoming a national story. Supporters gathered outside the court, while others expressed relief at the verdict, emphasizing the importance of accountability for high-profile figures.
The prosecution, led by the Crown, stated outside court that justice had been served, quoting the victim's bravery in coming forward. Hayne's lawyer indicated an appeal would be forthcoming, maintaining his client's innocence. The trial judge commended the jury for their attention to the evidence. This outcome ends a chapter in Hayne's life that began with promise on the field but has been marred by these serious allegations.