North Queensland Cowboys star Scott Bolton allegedly ‘grabbed’ woman’s genitals

COWBOYS forward Scott Bolton allegedly “grabbed” a 49-year-old woman’s genitals after a boozy team dinner in Bondi with his teammates from North Queensland.

COWBOYS forward Scott Bolton allegedly “grabbed” a 49-year-old woman’s genitals after a boozy team dinner in Bondi with his teammates from North Queensland.

A senior police source told The Daily Telegraph the groping allegations would form the foundations of a charge against Bolton of assault with an act of indecency.

The offence, if made out, carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

North Queensland Cowboys forward Scott Bolton at Brisbane Airport on Sunday night. Picture: Jacob Miley

Bolton and his teammates met at the Bondi Beach Public Bar for dinner and drinks early on Saturday night to celebrate their 26-20 victory over the Penrith Panthers in Bathurst the night before. They are staying in Sydney ahead of Thursday’s game against West Tigers.

Several players continued to drink after their meal and by 10.50pm police allegedly received a phone call regarding a complaint from a female patron. By the time investigators arrived the Cowboys had moved on. Prosecutors will allege Bolton indecently assaulted the woman.

The following morning 30-year-old Bolton voluntarily attended Waverley Police Station where he was interviewed, arrested and charged before being given police bail.

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It’s alleged the incident happened happened at Bondi Beach Public Bar after the team won their game against Penrith Panthers. Picture: Supplied

The bail terms allowed him to return to Queensland on condition he attends Waverley Local Court on June 19.

Bolton was quick to book a flight after being released and was photographed walking through Brisbane Airport later that day while on the phone.

The revelations have shocked the Cowboys camp.

Bolton has a clean reputation in the sport and has been married to his wife Michelle since 2006.

Bolton and his wife Michelle have been married since 2006. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm

He has not been stood down but the NRL Integrity Unit has been informed of the charges.

A Cowboys spokesman declined to comment when fresh details of the allegations were put to the club by The Daily Telegraph.

“There is nothing we can say ... our hands are tied,” he said.

Staff at Bondi Beach Public Bar also declined to comment on the matter yesterday.