Jarryd Hayne to stand trial for sexual assault next year

Former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne will stand trial next year accused of sexually assaulting a woman in NSW’s Hunter Valley. Hayne formally pleaded not guilty.

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Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne will go to trial in May next year to face two charges of aggravated sexual assault against a woman in NSW’s Hunter Valley.

Dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt, the 31-year-old looked relaxed at his brief appearance in the Newcastle District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Judge Roy Ellis set a trial date for May 4, 2020, set to last five to seven days, with Hayne’s bail to continue until April 30 next year.

Jarryd Hayne will stand trial next year accused of sexually assaulting a woman. Picture: AAP

At the request of his lawyer Leo Premutico, the ex Parramatta and Gold Coast back also had his reporting conditions reduced from three days to one at East Perth police station, where he is living at an evangelical Christian Ministry.

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Outside court, Hayne fronted the media and said it has been really hard on his family.

“On the 4th of May, justice will be served,” Hayne said.

Police alleged Hayne caught a taxi to a woman’s home in the Newcastle area on NRL grand final night last year.

It’s also alleged Hayne ripped off the 26-year-old woman’s clothing and bit her on the genitals, drawing blood, which resulted in the woman seeking hospital treatment.

Former NRL player Jarryd Hayne formally pleaded not guilty. Picture: AAP

The former Dally M medallist was charged in November with aggravated sexual assault inflicting actual bodily harm and again charged in May with a second count of aggravated sexual assault against the same woman over the alleged incident on September 30.

Hayne is also facing civil legal action in the US over claims he raped a woman during his time at the San Fransico 49ers NRL team in 2015.