In a dramatic twist to one of the National Rugby League's most controversial legal sagas, St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin has been convicted of perjury for lying under oath about a police officer's role in his high-profile rape trial.
The 33-year-old footballer appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday where he was handed a two-year community corrections order after pleading guilty to knowingly providing false testimony during the 2021 proceedings.
The False Testimony That Sealed His Fate
During his rape trial, de Belin swore under oath that he hadn't spoken to Police Sergeant Shane Webber about the case before providing a formal statement. This testimony directly contradicted evidence presented by the prosecution, which included phone records showing multiple calls between the pair.
Magistrate Gabriel Fleming delivered a scathing assessment of de Belin's actions, stating the footballer had shown "no remorse" for his deliberate deception of the court. The magistrate emphasised that lying under oath strikes at the very heart of the justice system.
A Complex Legal History
De Belin's legal troubles began in December 2018 when he was charged with the sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong apartment. His first trial ended with a hung jury in 2020, while a second trial in 2021 saw him acquitted of one count but resulting in another hung jury on remaining charges.
The prosecution eventually dropped all sexual assault charges in May 2021, but the perjury investigation continued, leading to Tuesday's sentencing.
Career in the Balance
The lengthy legal battle has significantly impacted de Belin's rugby career. He was sidelined under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy for nearly three years before returning to play in 2021.
As the Dragons consider their options following this conviction, the NRL has indicated it will review the matter under its code of conduct policy, potentially putting de Belin's professional future in jeopardy once again.
The case has sent shockwaves through the rugby community and raised serious questions about accountability within the sport's highest levels.
