Why Jarryd Hayne’s legal battles aren’t over
Jarryd Hayne has made a big legal move as he seeks to end a seven-year fight over sexual assault allegations.
Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne is seeking to have a civil lawsuit launched by a woman who accused him of sexual assault thrown out of court.
More than seven years after he was first arrested, and a year-and-a-half after his criminal charges were dropped, Mr Hayne is seeking to have the last of his legal battles connected to the allegations finalised.
Hayne was twice jailed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at her Newcastle home on NRL grand final night in 2018 - however on both occasions his convictions were overturned by the Court of Criminal Appeal.
The two-time Dally M winner and NFL convert has consistently denied the allegations and maintained the sexual encounter was consensual.
Mr Hayne faced three trials in the NSW District Court, with the first ending in a hung jury.
During subsequent trials, he was found guilty, only for his convictions to be overturned on appeal.
After his second conviction was quashed, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in June last year elected not to pursue a fourth trial.
The woman first launched civil action claiming she was sexually assaulted in August 2021, with the matter paused multiple times during the criminal proceedings.
Despite the charges being dropped, Mr Hayne is still being sued in the Supreme Court.
Mr Hayne’s solicitor Michael Short told the Supreme Court on Thursday that he had filed a notice of motion to dismiss the proceedings.
During a brief directions listing before Registrar Jennifer Hedge on Thursday, dates were set for Mr Hayne to serve his defence by January 23 and for both sides to serve expert evidence by March.
The matter will return to court on February 24 to consider Mr Hayne’s notice of motion and to set a hearing date.
If Mr Hayne is unsuccessful in having the proceedings dismissed, it will proceed to trial at a later date.
His application is being opposed by the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Mr Hayne has not played professional rugby league since September 2018, when he made his final appearance for Parramatta.
His playing career ultimately ended when he was charged in November, 2018.
He did return to the rugby league field this year when he turned out for the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup.
Originally published as Why Jarryd Hayne’s legal battles aren’t over
