Greg Inglis avoids conviction after admitting to girlfriend assault
Antonia Magee
From: Herald Sun
April 12, 2010 11:47AM
UPDATE 1.37pm: MELBOURNE Storm star Greg Inglis has been ordered to attend a men's behavioural program after admitting to an assault on his girlfriend.
Greg Inglis assault charges
A charge of recklessly causing injury was dropped in Sunshine Magistrates' Court today, while Inglis was not required to make a plea in relation to an unlawful assault charge, which will be dealt with through a diversion program.
Inglis, 23, was ordered to attend a behavioural amendment group and pay $3000 to Women's Health west.
He has since reconciled with girlfriend Sally Robinson, who appeared with Inglis in court today.
It was in the best interests of all parties that I have today accepted the issuing of this diversion order, Greg Inglis said in a statement issued by his club.
This was the right decision for Sallys welfare and privacy.
Outside court, Storm CEO Matt Hanson read from a prepared statement, asking that the couple be left alone to deal with an intensely private matter.
"The club will continue to offer counseling services to both Sally and Greg," Mr Hanson said.
"At all times, our priorities have been the health and safety and wellbeing of Sally and Greg and respect for the judicial process.
"This has obviously been an extremely difficiult time for Sally and Greg."
Melbourne Storm chairman, Dr Rob Moodie, said the club would always be vehemently opposed to any situation that endangers the health, safety and wellbeing of all women.
We are absolutely committed to a duty of care to our players, our players partners and their families, Dr Moodie said.
Police became involved last August after an incident at the couple's home in Melbourne's west.
Inglis's barrister, Robert Richter QC, told Magistrate Lionel Winton-Smith that Inglis had never hurt her before.
He said he had pushed her out of agitation after she "got in his face".
Mr Winton-Smith said he would not usually recommend a diversion program, but there were special circumstances in this case and Ms Robinson did not want charges brought in the first place.
He said he was satisfied Inglis was very remorseful about the incident and found that he was a suitable candidate for a diversion program.