Vic: Inglis avoids conviction over assault charge

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2010
Vic: Inglis avoids conviction over assault charge

By Michelle Draper

MELBOURNE, April 12 AAP - Melbourne Storm rugby league player Greg Inglis has been
ordered to attend a behavioural change program and pay $3,000 to a women's health service
for assaulting his girlfriend.

The 23-year-old Australian Test representative has avoided a conviction for pushing
Sally Robinson with an open hand, but will be subject to a diversion order.

Inglis appeared in Sunshine Magistrates Court on Monday with Ms Robinson by his side.

In a written statement, he said he accepted the diversion order because it was "the
right decision for Sally's welfare and privacy".

A charge of recklessly causing serious injury was dropped and the other charge of unlawful
assault would be dealt with through the diversion program, Magistrate Lionel Winton-Smith
said.

Inglis, who is regarded as one of rugby league's best players, was not required to
enter a plea as the diversion program allows first time offenders to avoid conviction.

But, under the program, Inglis must attend a men's behavioural change program and pay
$3,000 to Women's Health West.

His lawyer Robert Richter, QC, told the court that when reporting the incident Ms Robinson
told police Inglis had never hurt her before.

She informed police that at the time of the incident Inglis was frustrated and she
may have upset him by "getting in his face", Mr Richter told the court.

She also told police she did not wish the matter to be investigated further.

He said the pair had been together for four years and had reconciled after the dispute
in August last year.

Mr Winton-Smith said that any matter involving violence should be considered with caution
before recommending it be dealt with by a diversion order.

But in this instance he agreed the charge of assault, which involved Inglis pushing
Ms Robinson with an open hand, was suitable for a diversion program.

Mr Winton-Smith told Inglis: "You pushed her back onto the bed with an open hand.

"You have expressed regret and remorse over the incident."

Outside court, Melbourne Storm chief executive Matt Hanson asked for privacy for Inglis
and Ms Robinson.

He said the club would continue to offer counselling to the pair.

"At all times our priority has been the health, safety and wellbeing of Sally and Greg
and respect for the judicial process," Mr Hanson told reporters.

"This has obviously been an extremely difficult time for Sally and Greg."

Previously, the court has heard that Inglis planned to contest the charges against
him based on self-defence, arguing he was protecting Ms Robinson from self-harm.

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KEYWORD: INGLIS WRAP (PIX AVAILABLE)

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