Former Rugby League Talent Abandons Legal Battle Over Alleged Abuse
A promising former NRL star has unexpectedly dropped his $1 million lawsuit against the state of New South Wales, where he claimed he was sexually assaulted by a female prison officer while in juvenile detention. The player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, alleged the abuse occurred when he was just 16 years old and caused him lasting psychological damage.
Disturbing Allegations Emerge from Detention Centre
According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail and filed in the NSW Supreme Court, the man accused a prison officer referred to as 'Jane' of assaulting him on two separate occasions. The first incident allegedly took place in the facility's kitchen, where Jane reportedly cornered him and forced his hands down her pants and under her shirt.
The second alleged assault occurred in the centre's games room, where Jane is said to have pulled down the player's trousers and performed a sex act on him. These traumatic events, the former player claimed, significantly contributed to the decline of his promising rugby career.
Systemic Failures and Lasting Consequences
Law clerk Claire Egan, representing the former player, stated: 'He will carry these mental wounds for the remainder of his life, and we allege the abuse is partially to blame for ending what was a promising career.' The lawsuit sought damages for personal injury resulting from the alleged abuse, including exemplary damages, interest, and legal costs.
The legal action claimed the state was negligent in its duty to provide a safe environment for children in juvenile detention. Specific failures alleged included:
- Inadequate supervision of prison officers
- Failure to prevent officers being alone with children
- No education for detainees about reporting abuse
- Lack of safeguards for reporting sexual advances
The case was formally discontinued on October 26, though the reasons for withdrawing the lawsuit haven't been publicly disclosed. Had the matter proceeded to hearing and been successful, the total compensation including legal costs could have exceeded $1 million.
