Police drop charges against four Swans players over Pullman Hotel incident; civil claims continue

On Friday morning, Victoria Police put out a statement closing the criminal investigation into an incident at a hotel on Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. It said Sexual Crimes Squad detectives had received reports of sexual assault there in the early hours of 17 August. After what it called a thorough investigation, and on legal advice, the force said it would not proceed with criminal charges because of insufficient evidence.

The four AFL players at the centre of the matter are Sydney Swans stars Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, and Nick Blakey, who is now with the Kangaroos. None will face criminal charges. Police said they could make no further comment because of an ongoing civil matter. Code Sports reported that the charges were dropped because the investigation did not have enough evidence to secure a prosecution.

The civil matter is where the story continues. The Age reports that two of the women are pressing ahead with civil claims. Their lawyer, John Karantzis of Carbone Lawyers, said criminal prosecution carries a very high burden, proof beyond reasonable doubt. His clients' claims, he said, are for personal injury and are judged on the balance of probabilities, a different standard. He said the women will vigorously fight and proceed. The Age also reports that the four players have been sent legal letters advising them of the women's intention to take legal action.

The complaints to Victoria Police were that women were reportedly inappropriately touched and slapped by men at the Pullman Hotel on 17 August. A fifth Swans player, Riley Bice, had earlier been cleared of criminal charges initially laid against him.

All five players were stood down for the remainder of the Swans' season after the claims emerged. In its own statement on Friday, the AFL said it had been advised the police investigation had concluded with no charges laid against any AFL player. It stressed that this outcome is separate from the action taken in August. The league said it had endorsed the Swans standing down the five players for the rest of the season, including all finals matches, over behaviour that fell well short of the standards expected of those involved in the game. It also deemed the five unavailable for selection for the All Australian award.

The AFL added that respect and accountability are fundamental to maintaining trust in the game, and that it recognises the importance of continuing to strengthen culture, education and player accountability. It reserved the right to investigate if further relevant information comes to light.

Heeney gave News Corp a statement welcoming the police announcement. He said the past three months had been incredibly difficult for his family, his partner Steffie and those close to him, and that watching his family carry the weight of it was heartbreaking. He thanked those who stood by him, and the Swans' teammates, coaches, board, sponsors, members and fans for keeping faith in him. He said he is focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player he can be.

Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich spoke later in the day. He said the day was about the police investigation having been finalised, and that the club would deal with any future developments as they arise. He added that it was not a day for anyone to celebrate.

The criminal question is closed, but the civil claims are not. The two women's personal injury cases, and the AFL's stated right to reopen its own inquiries if new information emerges, are what to watch next.