NRL player Robert Lui repeatedly kicked his partner in the head after Mad Monday celebrations, police will allege when the Wests Tigers halfback fronts court this week.
The Sun-Herald has obtained the apprehended violence order issued against Lui after an incident involving Taleah Rae Backo at the couple's North Strathfield apartment on September 19.
According to the document, police allege Lui kicked Backo ''to the left temple area a number of times causing pain, bruising and swelling''.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Lui allegedly scaled the balcony of the second-floor unit at 7pm and knocked on the glass sliding door. Backo hid around the side of the door.
When she opened the door, Lui pushed her in the chest, causing her to fall backwards. Police allege the Tigers playmaker then pulled her hair, causing a small amount of hair to be removed along with a hair pin causing ''pain to the head area''.
It is alleged Lui then kicked Backo while she was on the ground, accusing her of sleeping with his cousin. Lui then dragged her towards the front door of the unit and told her to get out, the document alleges.
After walking outside to an area below the balcony, Backo called up for her wallet. After Lui refused, she called police.
When police arrived shortly afterwards, Lui was still on the balcony shouting abuse at Backo. When police asked to access the unit, they were told: ''No, f--- off.''
Police allege Lui changed his mind shortly afterwards and was arrested. When the allegation was put to him, Lui said: ''I didn't kick her, I headbutted her.''
Backo agreed to give police a video statement and to have her injuries photographed, which included bruising and swelling around the temple, approximately five by eight centimetres.
Lui stated he had consumed two cases of Vodka Cruisers - each containing 24 x 375ml bottles with an alcohol content of 4.8 per cent each - since Friday, September 16, after the Tigers were eliminated from the premiership race by the Warriors.
Lui was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and granted bail. He agreed to the terms of the AVO, which prevents any contact between the pair without prior agreement through legal representatives.
The matter is set to return to Burwood Local Court on Thursday.
The Sun-Herald contacted Lui's manager, Mark Stewart, yesterday, but he did not return calls. The Tigers have stood down the halfback from all club duties pending the outcome of court proceedings.
Last year, Backo reported a domestic assault and Lui was charged. The matter was dismissed in court after Backo changed her story.
In August, there was a report of a verbal argument between the two, but no offence was handed down.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...rtners-head-20111022-1mdiw.html#ixzz1bWCM5nQ8
