Michael Lichaa pleads not guilty to assaulting Kara Childerhouse

Former NRL star Michael Lichaa’s partner attended court to support the ex-Bulldog as he strenuously denied assaulting her in a late-night argument.

Michael Lichaa’s partner Kara Childerhouse and his legal team leave Sutherland Local Court. Picture: John Grainger

Former NRL star Michael Lichaa will vigorously fight claims he assaulted his partner after he allegedly found her entangled with his former teammate.

Lichaa was due to face Sutherland Local Court for the first time charged with common assault, intimidation and malicious damage after an alleged altercation involving his partner Kara Childerhouse at his Connells Point home on Sunday.

Police will allege the violence erupted when Lichaa discovered his partner Ms Childerhouse kissing his former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs teammate Adam Elliott on his porch at 4.30am.

Michael Lichaa during the Round 21 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on August 10, 2019. (AAP Image/David Neilson)

Lichaa’s solicitor Sam Saadat and Ms Childerhouse attended court without him after he was severely injured when he allegedly punched a glass panel at the home and sustained significant cuts to his hand and arm.

“He has undergone surgery which has deemed him unfit for attendance at court,” Mr Saadat told Magistrate Les Mabbutt at Sutherland Local Court.

“He is pleading not guilty to all the criminal sequences.”

Ms Childerhouse and Lichaa in happier times.

Lichaa will now face a four-hour hearing at Sutherland Local Court on November 2, with evidence to be served by March 30.

The court heard up to three witnesses would be called to give evidence.

Mr Saadat attempted to apply for a bail variation and an amendment to the provisional apprehended violence order imposed for Ms Childerhouse’s protection but the court advised he would need to make a separate appearance at court due to time constraints.

Kara Childerhouse. Picture: John Grainger

Kara Childerhouse. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Saadat told media Lichaa has Ms Childerhouse’s full support.

“He’s adamant he’s not guilty,” Mr Saadat said.

“She’s here to support him.”

Ms Childerhouse was silent and hid her face as she departed the courthouse.