Kurtley Beale, a rugby union player, is getting ready to defend himself against accusations of sexual assault. His legal team has received the brief of evidence against him.
In the eastern suburbs of Sydney, the 34-year-old was accused on two counts of engaging in sexual contact with another person without their consent, of encouraging another to engage in sexual contact without their consent, and of engaging in sexual activity without their consent.
Beale is charged with sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman on December 17 at the Beach Road Hotel in Bondi.
Although he has not yet been forced to enter a plea, his legal counsel has said he will contest the allegations.
In Waverley Local Court on Wednesday, when Beale was not needed to appear, the case was briefly referenced.
According to his solicitor Lauren MacDougall, both she and the prosecuting solicitor have received the evidence brief.
On June 15, Beale’s case will be heard in Downing Centre Local Court for charge certification; however, he won’t be obliged to show up unless the prosecution is ready to present its case.
Beale has given up his passport and is out on bail.
He has been told to stay away from witnesses and report to the police every day.
The back for the Wallabies and Waratahs has appeared in 95 matches for Australia.
He was the player of the year and received the 2011 John Eales medal.
As the matter develops, Rugby Australia has suspended Beale from all levels of rugby.
