Titans player’s court case hits holiday delay
TITANS player Dan Sarginson will not stand trial for allegedly pushing a security guard until November after key defence witnesses failed to show for court yesterday.
The English Super League recruit was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in July after he alleged pushed a security guard at the Burleigh Heads Hotel during a night out, one month earlier. Sarginson previously indicated he would fight the charge.
He was expected to face trial in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday but Sarginson’s lawyer Campbell MacCallum said several defence witnesses to the alleged assault were not available because they were on holiday in Bali. The court heard two British tourists, who claim they were assaulted by the alleged victim in Sarginson’s case, would be required for the trial but indicated on Friday they were on holiday in Bali.
“Are they ever coming back?” Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan asked.
“They are crucial witnesses as we say they are victims of assaults by the complainant,” Mr MacCallum replied.
Police allege Sarginson, 24, became involved in an altercation with the guard when he approached him to find out what had occurred between the man and one of Sarginson’s friends. While he was originally given a fine for public nuisance, Sarginson was later charged with assault after police found out his identity.
Mr MacCallum has previously said he believed Sarginson had been unfairly targeted because of his status as an NRL player.
The matter was adjourned until November 1.