Two police officers charged over pub brawl involving NRL star Tom Starling

Two police officers have been charged after an investigation into a violent confrontation with NRL star Tom Starling at a hotel.

Two serving police officers have been charged following an investigation into an incident involving NRL star Tom Starling.

The Canberra Raiders hooker and his brothers Jackson, 27, and Josh, 22, were attending a friend’s 21st birthday party at the Shady Palms hotel at Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast on December 5, 2020, when a fight broke out.

An investigation by the Professional Standards Command has led to two police officers being charged over the incident.

Speaking to 2GB radio station hours after the charges dropped, Starling said he had “mixed emotions” after a three-year legal battle.

“I’d hate to see someone else go through what me and my family were put through. The emotional and financial pressure it puts on people, that’s why I’m speaking out so loudly about it,” he said.

Canberra Raiders player Tom Starling after an incident with police on the Central Coast. Picture: Supplied

Starling was with his family at a Central Coast pub celebrating a 21st birthday. Picture: Supplied

“It’s quite an intimidating thing to come up against the police force with endless amounts of money and endless amounts of support for them.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but I believe there could be more done.”

A 49-year-old male senior constable from the northern region has been charged with common assault, and a 37-year-old male sergeant – attached to a specialist command – has been charged with two counts of common assault.

The employment status of both officers is under review and they will appear at Gosford Local Court on March 7.

Starling was found not guilty of the charges. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The charges come three years after the 25-year-old hooker was charged with assaulting and hindering police. He endured a gruelling 11-day hearing, along with his two brothers, in December 2022.

The court was told the fight started when security guard Khan Morris told the Starling brothers’ mother Joanne to sit down because of Covid restrictions.

Shocking CCTV footage was played in court that showed the NRL player being repeatedly punched in the face during the brawl.

Photographs of Starling in the days after the violent incident show his face scratched up with bloodied gashes.

The court was told the fight started when a security guard had words with Starling’s mother. Picture NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Tom and Jackson were found not guilty of resisting police in the execution of their duty and Josh not guilty of two counts of assaulting police.

Josh was found guilty of resisting police and assaulting Mr Morris.

He was placed on two 18-month good behaviour bonds.

Following a hearing of the NSW Police Professional Standards Command, Mr Morris was charged with the assault of the Starlings’ father David and causing him actual bodily harm.

Mr Morris has pleaded not guilty and will face a hearing later this year.