Danushka Gunathilaka’s sexual-assault case: three out of 4 prices dropped
Trigger warning for sexual assault and rape.
Sri Lanka cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has had three of his 4 sexual-assault prices dropped by the general public prosecutor in his ongoing case in Australia.
Gunathilaka, 32, was arrested in Sydney in early November final yr, whereas he was with the Sri Lanka squad for the T20 World Cup. He has since been launched on bail and had his bail situations relaxed.
The case has additionally been hit with delays, with Gunathilaka required to remain in Australia whereas the authorized course of is adopted. The prosecution efficiently utilized for an adjournment final month, which took the listening to past the six-month requirement for cost certification. But Gunathilaka’s lawyer Alen Sahinovic opposed the delay, arguing his shopper was being subjected to undue hardship as a overseas citizen with restricted familial and social assist.
Gunathilaka is due again in courtroom on July 13 to enter a plea.
The police info sheet that was submitted with the unique prices acknowledged that the girl, whom Gunathilaka had met via the relationship app Tinder, had “feared for her life” throughout their encounter. Having met at a Sydney bar, the pair had made their strategy to the girl’s residence within the japanese suburbs, the place the alleged sexual assault occurred.
The unique prices included non-consensual choking, digital penetration, and “stealthing” – intercourse and not using a condom with out the consent of the complainant – which is a legal act underneath New South Wales legislation.
Sri Lanka Cricket has not wished to outwardly be seen as supporting Gunathilaka however has supplied him vital help, together with paying for a few of his authorized prices, although the board has stated it was anticipating this cash to be recovered.
Gunathilaka’s cricket profession has been suspended since his arrest.