Victoria Police drop charges against four Sydney Swans players over alleged assault

Police decision ends criminal inquiry

Victoria Police stated that insufficient evidence exists to proceed with criminal charges against the four men. The investigation covered an incident at the Pullman Hotel involving three women who made reports on August 17. In September, members of the Sexual Crimes Squad journeyed to New South Wales to talk with the athletes. Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey are understood to have assisted police during the process. Riley Bice was suspended separately for breaching club standards regarding drinking and bringing women back to the hotel.

Civil matters remain active for victims

Three women engaged lawyers to explore legal action against the men following the incident at the Melbourne venue. Jackson Pannam of Slater and Gordon represents one woman who reported being allegedly sexually assaulted immediately after the event. Heeney welcomed the police announcement in a statement acknowledging the difficult three months his family has endured. The absence of criminal charges does not prevent civil claims from proceeding according to legal representatives involved in the case. Carbone Lawyers has been contacted for comment regarding their representation of two of the women involved in the allegations.

Players deny wrongdoing and seek support

Every one of the three female athletes who became part of the five Swans members inside a Melbourne hotel during August has retained legal representation. Heeney thanked teammates, coaches and fans for keeping faith in him despite intense public scrutiny surrounding the scandal. In August, the Swans suspended the quartet and Riley Bice, their teammate, after they violated club standards. Friday saw police confirm that the civil case remains active as detectives pursue their own probe of the claims.