Canberra raider Tom Starling: Six charges dropped over argument with police at Kincumber

Six out of seven charges against Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling have been dropped after the drunken scuffle at a Kincumber restaurant.

Six out of seven charges against Raiders player Tom Starling have been dropped after an incident with police on the Central Coast.

The majority of charges against Canberra Raider hooker Tom Starling have been dropped following the late night drunken scuffle that broke out with police at a Kincumber restaurant last year.

Starling pleaded not guilty to one charge of resist/hinder police at Gosford Local Court on Thursday.

The 22-year-old and his brothers Josh and Jackson, who were also allegedly involved in the scuffle at Shady Palms restaurant on December 5, were all excused for their first appearances due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Avoca Beach brothers’ criminal lawyer Samar Singh-Panwar entered pleas of not guilty on their behalf.

Vision of Tom Starling at The Shady Palms. Picture: 7 NEWS Sydney

Tom Starling leaving Gosford Police Station into the arms of his dad after his arrest. Picture: 9 News

Five charges of assault an officer as well as one charge of affray were dropped against Tom Starling. His resist/hinder charge sheet stated that between 10.55pm and 11pm on December 5 Starling hindered four NSW police officers including three males and one female.

Mr Singh-Panwar also made a successful application for bail to be dispensed for the three brothers.

The trio were out with friends celebrating the 21st birthday of the brother of Newcastle player Connor Watson with a group that included Kalyn Ponga and other NRL identities on the night of December 5.

Tom Starling is a hooker for the Canberra Raiders. Picture: Mark Kolbe

Police were called to the restaurant to deal with another matter when an argument broke out with a patron that refused to leave the premises. Police will allege the Starling brothers and co-accused Jesse Byrne became aggressive.

Police called for assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad before taking all four men to Gosford Police Station.

Soon after his arrest, images of Tom Starling revealing his face covered in cuts and bruises emerged on social media.

His younger brother Josh Starling, 19, had three charges withdrawn and pleaded not guilty to common assault, resist an officer in execution of duty and assault an officer in execution of duty.

Exterior photos of Shady Palms at Kincumber.

Older brother Jackson Starling had two charges od assault officer and affray dropped and pleaded not guilty to one charge of resist/hinder police.

Byrne, 20, had three charges dropped however did not enter pleas to charges of assault officer in the execution of duty and resist/hinder police.

His defence stated they were yet to view CCTV footage of the incident.

The Starling brothers matter will be mentioned again at Gosford Local Court on March 11, however they have been excused from appearing. Byrne’s matter will be back in court on February 4.