Jarryd Hayne lawsuit : Former Origin star Jarryd Hayne has taken a major legal step in his bid to finally end the seven-year battle over sexual assault allegations.
Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne is moving to have a civil lawsuit filed by a woman who accused him of sexual assault dismissed from court. More than seven years after his initial arrest — and over eighteen months since his criminal charges were withdrawn — Hayne is pushing to resolve the final remaining legal case tied to the allegations.
Former NRL Star Seeks Dismissal of Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Hayne was twice jailed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at her Newcastle home on the 2018 NRL grand final night, but both convictions were later overturned by the Court of Criminal Appeal. The two-time Dally M medallist and former NFL player has continually denied the accusations, insisting the encounter was consensual.
Jarryd Hayne Takes Major Legal Step to End Ongoing Battle
Hayne underwent three separate trials in the NSW District Court, with the first concluding in a hung jury. In the trials that followed, he was twice found guilty, but each conviction was later overturned on appeal. After his second conviction was quashed, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions decided in June last year not to proceed with a fourth trial.
The woman initiated a civil lawsuit in August 2021, alleging sexual assault, though the case was put on hold several times while the criminal proceedings were ongoing.
Despite the charges being dropped, Hayne is still being sued in the Supreme Court.
Hayne’s lawyer, Michael Short, informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that he had lodged a notice of motion seeking to have the case dismissed.
At a brief directions hearing before Registrar Jennifer Hedge, the court scheduled key deadlines, including January 23 for Hayne to file his defence and March for both parties to submit their expert evidence.
The case is set to return to court on February 24, when Hayne’s dismissal bid will be considered and a potential hearing date confirmed.
If his attempt to have the proceedings thrown out is unsuccessful, the civil case will move forward to trial at a later stage.
Convictions Overturned After Multiple Trials in NSW District Court
His bid to have the case dismissed is being challenged by the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Hayne has not played professional rugby league since September 2018, when he made his final appearance for Parramatta. His career effectively came to an end after he was charged in November that same year.
However, he did make a return to the field this year, appearing for the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup.
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