Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Curtis Scott has formally entered not guilty pleas to a series of charges relating to an alleged drink-driving incident and crash in Sydney last year. The ex-Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders centre is accused of leaving the scene after the accident.
The Alleged Incident and Charges
On June 15, 2023, police allege that Scott was driving a utility vehicle over the legal alcohol limit when he crashed into several trees on Kennedy Crescent in the suburb of Bonnet Bay, in Sydney's south. Authorities further claim that the 28-year-old then left the location without reporting the incident.
Scott was later arrested at his home and taken to Sutherland Hospital for assessment. Following an investigation, he was charged in December 2023 and issued with Court Attendance Notices. The specific charges he now faces are:
- Drive vehicle under the influence of alcohol
- Drive with middle-range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA)
- Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)
Police will also allege that Scott was driving while his licence was suspended at the time of the alleged offences.
Court Proceedings and Boxing Career
Scott did not appear at Sutherland Local Court on January 15, 2024, when his case was briefly mentioned. His high-profile solicitor, Robert Candelori, entered the not guilty pleas on his behalf.
The matter has been adjourned, and Scott is next scheduled to appear at the same court on March 12, 2024. Since his NRL career ended in 2021, Scott has turned his focus to professional heavyweight boxing, where he maintains an undefeated record of 4-0, including three knockout victories.
A History of Legal Controversies
This is not the first time Curtis Scott has been involved in a high-profile legal matter. In January 2020, he was arrested near the Sydney Cricket Ground at Moore Park and initially charged with six offences, including assaulting police officers. All charges were later dropped after bodycam evidence emerged, and he was awarded $100,000 in legal costs.
However, in a separate case in 2022, Scott was convicted and fined for domestic violence offences against his former girlfriend, athlete Tay-Leiha Clark. He was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical harm.
The upcoming court date in March will determine the outcome of the latest serious charges against the former sports star.
