Brett Stewart found not guilty of sexual assault

[Glenn]

Still hasn't been found guilty of anything, but if nothing else a idiot for putting himself in this position knowing how closely the media scrutinise the actions of sports people in this country.

 

[attila_the_gorilla]

If indeed Stewart had been so drunk that he couldn`t remember what happened, then the police had no choice but charge him. It still doesn`t mean he`s done anything wrong.

 

[WhiteWesWelker]

Manly have scheduled an emergency board meeting at 7:30pm to discuss the developments. Number one on the agenda is whether Stewart will play in the season opening game against the Bulldogs on Saturday.

There is only one decision to make.

 

[Timmah]

Now he has been arrested and charged, yes. Stand him down.

Someone who couldn't afford bail would be held in custody until the court case, am I correct?

 

[WhiteWesWelker]

Now he has been arrested and charged, yes. Stand him down.

Someone who couldn't afford bail would be held in custody until the court case, am I correct?

Yes.

 

[fish eel]

If by that we mean awful for the recipient of the alleged sexual assault, then I agree.


No sympathy for men who end up in avoidable situations like this from me. Individual responsibility - means knowing your own limits with alcohol, and respecting other people's physical rights always.

Innocent until proven guilty of course - but is there honestly anyone out there that thinks he shouldn't be stood down until the court decides the case now?

Really tough question and there isnt a right answer.

I know if I was a Manly fan, I'd have a tough time supporting someone who had such serious charges hanging over them, so my guy would say stand him down.

Then I think of the Lafranchhi case, the took most of the season to be resolved. If he was stood down, he'd have missed a lot of football basically waiting to be found not guilty.

I know Barty, you drew a parrallel to Ministers being stood down. One subtle difference is though, they still continue their work as a backbencher - they're not actually stood down from Parliament - and they dont get stood down because it is right - they get stood down as a political fix.

 

[Ausguy]

yes... timmah. hence granted bail. if someone didnt stump up for it he'd still be locked up.

 

[~knights~]

If indeed Stewart had been so drunk that he couldn`t remember what happened, then the police had no choice but charge him. It still doesn`t mean he`s done anything wrong.

didn't they take DNA?

maybe there is proof now

 

[Harold Bishop]

I hope he is stood down until the court date, and i am guessing Manly will now do so.
I also hope that everyone remembers that this charge does not automatically make Stewart "guilty".

 

[sting]

Now he has been arrested and charged, yes. Stand him down.

Someone who couldn't afford bail would be held in custody until the court case, am I correct?

No, the police decide after you have being charged if you will get bail or not.

If bail is refused you then have to face a magistrate if you wish to apply for bail and that is when they demand a surety.

The police probably just figured it was safe for him to be on bail

 

[kia ora storm]

Stand him down Manly...put the club first and save some respect.

Also for the good of the image of the game...stand him down.

 

[t1tan]

Would Manly be at a disadvantage by playing Stewart,considering what his mental state may be at this stage..not as an admission of guilt.
Plus the flak he will undoubtly receive from the crowd.

 

[Ausguy]

fish eel, its simple each case on its merits, you cant compare the cases. so many differences regarding the facts (which we know nothing of). Its all heresay atthe moment, the police cant charge him for nothing, therefore they have something. It has to be conclusive or he would have walked without bail. If stewart cant remember and evidence points against him he is in a lot of trouble.

 

[sting]

yes... timmah. hence granted bail. if someone didnt stump up for it he'd still be locked up.

wrong

 

[Kiki]

is april 7th the actual trial though?? i think it might just be like arraignment. or possibly i watch too much Law and Order.

i am upset at everything. mostly for more awfulness affecting the game i love so much.

i really want to know the details of the case. lets not forget a charge is just that...a charge.

 

[MSIH]

Shattered.

 

[Timmah]

Really tough question and there isnt a right answer.

I know if I was a Manly fan, I'd have a tough time supporting someone who had such serious charges hanging over them, so my guy would say stand him down.

Then I think of the Lafranchhi case, the took most of the season to be resolved. If he was stood down, he'd have missed a lot of football basically waiting to be found not guilty.

I know Barty, you drew a parrallel to Ministers being stood down. One subtle difference is though, they still continue their work as a backbencher - they're not actually stood down from Parliament - and they dont get stood down because it is right - they get stood down as a political fix.

Then stand Stewart down for matches - allow him to train maybe?

Bottom line here is that regardless of the outcome of the sexual assault charge - it is conceded that he did drink too much. On that alone he should be stood down, other players have missed weeks more for lesser offences.

 

[Ausguy]

wrong

So whats the point of bail....?

 

[^_^]

so Timmah those bulldogs players who played after being charged is ok by you is it?

 

[WhiteWesWelker]

is april 7th the actual trial though?? i think it might just be like arraignment. or possibly i watch too much Law and Order.

i am upset at everything. mostly for more awfulness affecting the game i love so much.

i really want to know the details of the case. lets not forget a charge is just that...a charge.

Correct.

The police make him front up to court and he will then get an actual arraignment after than at either local or district court.

If Stewart pleads not guilty, this case will go on for over a year. My mate pleaded guilty to an assault in a bar fight. It happened in February 2008 and he is having his sentencing next week. That is for a simple assault and pleading guilty.