Dylan Walker declares innocence over domestic violence claim
NRL star Dylan Walker has walked out of court hand in hand with the fiancee police allege he assaulted after pleading not guilty to domestic violence charges. Alexandra Ivkovic is now expected to retract her police statement.
NRL star Dylan Walker has walked out of court hand in hand with the fiancee police allege he assaulted after pleading not guilty to domestic violence charges.
Police allege The Sea Eagles centre allegedly yanked the hair of Alexandra Ivkovic as she ran out of their northern beaches home following a fight over a video game last week.
But the court was told the former Miss Universe Australia finalist, who gave birth to the couple’s son in July is now expected to retract her police statement.
Paramedics treated the 24-year-old on the roadside for cuts to her shoulder, leg and feet, and Walker was charged with common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Police also took out an apprehended violence order against Walker on behalf of Ms Ivkovic, which does not prohibit the couple still living together.
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Instead it bans Walker from stalking, harassing or intimidating his partner and his career now hangs in the balance.
Ms Ivkovic accompanied the former Test and NSW Origin player when he appeared in Manly Local Court for the first time on Tuesday.
The pair arrived separately but sat side-by-side during the short court mention alongside Manly general manager of football John Bonasera and Walker’s agent Wayne Beavis.
The 24-year-old’s solicitor Ramy Qutami said his client would fight the charges and added Ms Ivkovic wants to issue a “retraction statement”.
“My instructions are he enters a plea of not guilty to the offences,” Mr Qutami said.
The couple said nothing as they left court together holding hands and bundled into a waiting car.
Walker was arrested at their apartment on Prescott Avenue, Dee Why about 5pm last Thursday following an alleged argument over a PlayStation.
It is alleged his model girlfriend crossed the road outside but the athlete allegedly pulled her hair, causing her to fall over.
Ms Ivkovic was seen cowering in the street by neighbours who may now become witnesses in the case.
Police allege that when they granted Walker bail he “did make admissions to the offence” while there was one independent witness, court documents show.
Walker was picked up from Manly Police Station late that night by Sea Eagles head coach Des Hasler.
If proven guilty, Manly will be under pressure to immediately sack Walker, whose $600,000-a-year contract with the club expires after next season.
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