Darwin cricketer Connor Hawkins fined for assaulting teammate in training session

A Darwin cricketer has issued a plea after he attempted a sack whack and punched a teammate 15 times in the head during a nets training session. Read what was said in court.

Connor Hawkins assaulted a teammate at Kahlin Oval. Picture: Che Chorley

A Darwin cricketer has been fined for punching a teammate about 15 times in the head after what was originally perceived as typical cricket banter descended into chaos.

Connor Hawkins, 31, pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court to assaulting a teammate during a nets session at Kahlin Oval on July 27, 2023.

Hawkins appeared over video link as he pleaded guilty to the offence, with his lawyer Richard Bryson stating his client believed the incident was initially a bit of banter.

The A-grade bowler for the Darwin Cricket Club kicked out in an attempt to ‘nutmeg’ the victim, hitting him in the testicles.

He then turned around when his teammate hit him on the backside with a cricket bat, which Hawkins responded to by punching him 15 times in the head.

Hawkins issued an apology after the incident, and has since left the Territory to live interstate.

“He’s perplexed about how it ever came to be, there was never any bad blood between the defendant and the victim, and there was no motivation,” Mr Bryson said.

“This is a training session where they’re on the same team and there have never been any negative interactions between the two parties.

Darwin cricket player Connor Hawkins was fined for assaulting a teammate during a training session. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“In his mind he was engaging in cricket and blokey banter, where he acknowledges he kicked out with his foot and meant to ‘nutmeg’ him where he was going to pretend to kick in the crotch.

“He then turns his back and the victim then strikes him with a cricket bat, and Mr Hawkins responds in the emotion of the situation and both parties give as good as they get before they’re separated.”

The prosecution said the defendant was “unprovoked” when he initially kicked the victim in the testicles.

They also said while the incident was “not very prolonged” it took some time to deal out the number of punches.

Hawkins is originally from the UK came to the Top End in 2018 and joined the Darwin Cricket Club, where he coached juniors and became an important player in their senior side.

He began working at Territory Families the following year where he helped youths and was received well by fellow employers and clients, while he also holds a certificate 4 in youth justice.

For those reasons and his previous lack of offending, judge Sue Oliver did not issue a conviction against Hawkins, who now lives interstate, and instead laid a $1000 fine against him.

“What started out as something enjoyed by everyone there just turned into a ridiculous situation,” she said.

“This all came about playing cricket and then you lose your head completely.

“You had a very good position with Territory Families where you were doing extremely well getting promoted up the levels in what can be a very challenging role with young people.

“This has caused you enormous stress, you’ve sought therapy and you’re no longer playing the game that was a major part of your life up here.”

Originally published as Darwin cricketer Connor Hawkins fined for assaulting teammate in training session