Latest developments in the Sydney Swans scandal — police reveal shocking new details
Four Sydney Swans players have been questioned by police over an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Sexual Assault Crimes Squad travelled to Sydney to formally interview Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey over the alleged incident that occurred inside the Pullman East Melbourne on August 17.
Three other men believed to be witnesses in the hotel room during the alleged incident will also be interviewed by police – including Riley Bice, who is alleged to have booked the adult entertainers.
Riley Bice is believed to have booked the adult entertainers and now considered a witness who was inside the hotel room during the alleged incident. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
Police believe they have now identified all seven men who were inside the hotel room and are not looking for anyone else.
“Detectives travelled to NSW this week to speak to four people as part of their investigation into the sexual assault allegations,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.
“Investigators also spoke to or will speak to three men believed to be in the hotel room at the time of the incident, who are being treated solely as witnesses at this time.
“Police now believe they have now identified all parties who were in the room at the time of the alleged incident and are not looking for anyone further.
“The investigation into the circumstances remains active and ongoing.”
Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney Footy Fever kids books series were pulled from book store shelves following the allegations. Picture: Instagram
All five Swan players have been stood down and will not play the remainder of the season while the police investigate the sexual assault allegation.
They have all denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been laid over the alleged assault.
It is alleged three adult entertainers were sexually assaulted during a booking made with Party Girls Melbourne in the early hours of August 17.
Sydney Swans player Chad Warner pictured with his partner Alice Hughes. Picture: Instagram
Sydney Swans issued a statement noting no charges have been laid.
“Police have indicated the process may take some time to run its course,” a statement read.
“As it remains a police investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further.”
Nick Blakey has been formally interviewed by police over an alleged sexual assault inside a Melbourne hotel room Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
James Jordan and his co-accused have been stood down for the remainder the season while police investigate a sexual assault allegation. Picture: Michael Klein
Swans Coach Dean Cox told Fox Footy on Tuesday he was in contact with the five players while they were way from the club.
“I speak about their welfare, how they’re going and if we can support in any way. I haven’t spoken to them at all about the police investigation,” he said.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon told media they would conduct their own inquiries one the police investigation was complete.
“The AFL won’t get involved while there’s a police investigation under way,” he said.
Originally published as Four Sydney Swans players questioned by police over alleged sexual assault
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU
https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans/four-sydney-swans-players-questioned-by-police-over-alleged-sexual-assault/news-story/f52436550a3956c154e839ec43f184b9
