Shaun Kenny-Dowall allegedly put former partner Jessica Peris in a headlock and kicked her
DAYS after NRL star Shaun Kenny-Dowall allegedly pinned his then-partner Jessica Peris, he admitted to family members “I bashed her”, a court has heard.
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DAYS after NRL star Shaun Kenny-Dowall allegedly pinned his then-partner Jessica Peris against a wall, leaving her bruised, he admitted to family members “I bashed her”, a court has heard.
The first day of the local court hearing for the 27-year-old Kiwi international, who is facing 11 charges related to domestic violence, heard explosive claims from the daughter of former Olympic gold medallist-turned senator Nova Peris. Roosters winger Kenny-Dowall has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including seven assault charges.
Police alleged that in a series of incidents from October 2014, to June 2015, Kenny-Dowall lifted Ms Peris off the ground in a headlock before headbutting her, kicking her repeatedly and spraying alcohol on her.
Downing Centre Local Court also heard Ms Peris admitted to police she occasionally used cocaine, including on two dates relevant to the allegations.
The pair exchanged 40,000 text messages during their tumultuous 14-month relationship, some of which were of a graphic sexual nature.
They separated in June 2015, due to “certain jealousies” of Kenny-Dowall, police alleged.
Ms Peris took out an AVO in July 2015, and Kenny-Dowall was charged two days later.
The most serious charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm allegedly occurred in October 2014 at the couple’s eastern suburbs unit. Ms Peris told the court Kenny-Dowall threw her phone into a brick wall before pinning her against a wall with his fist raised.
“He was cursing me. He said ‘you’re a f---ing slut. I wasted my time’,” Ms Peris said. “I was quite traumatised. He had his left forearm across my chest.”
Kenny-Dowall allegedly punched a framed picture — causing his knuckles to bleed — and threw Ms Peris on the bed.
During the alleged assault Ms Peris sustained a bruise on her left bicep. Days later, when Kenny-Dowall’s mother noticed a bruise on Ms Peris’ arm, he said in a sarcastic tone “I bashed her”, the court heard.
“As if it was something to laugh about,” Ms Peris said.
Kenny-Dowall’s barrister Ian Temby QC said his client admitted punching the picture but denied Ms Peris’ head was close to it at the time.
In June 2015, it is alleged Kenny-Dowall placed Ms Peris in a headlock and pulled her hair.
After an argument about leaving a back door open for Kenny-Dowall’s dog he locked Ms Peris out of their bedroom.
When she broke the latch to get in he allegedly ran at her and grabbed her. “He ran towards me, I was very scared. He grabbed me behind my neck and pushed me down,” she said.
She said he then grabbed her around the neck and lifted her off the ground. Ms Peris said she elbowed him before he left her go and when they were face to face he headbutted her.
Kenny-Dowall also allegedly kicked Ms Peris four or five times at the couple’s Maroubra home as she tried to get into bed with him in March 2015.
In May 2015, when Ms Peris returned home with four bottles of Vodka Cruisers, Kenny-Dowall allegedly grabbed one, drank it and sprayed some of it on her.
After the couple got into an argument in June 2015, Ms Peris claimed Kenny-Dowall called her a “f--- head”.
“I responded ‘you’re a f---ing spastic’. He walked towards me with his right fist clenched. I said ‘Shaun, what are you going to do, hit me?’,” she told the court.
Ms Peris said her then-partner dropped his fists and left the home.
During her cross-examination Ms Peris was told by Magistrate Gregory Grogin to answer questions directly and “don’t make speeches”.
The hearing continues.
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