Hayne’s victim breaks silence

Sydney: As Jarryd Hayne waits to find out how long he will spend in jail, the young woman he was convicted of sexually assaulting has suggested she isn’t the same person after the 30-month ordeal.

The 28-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had to wait two-and-a-half years before Hayne, 33, was found guilty on two counts of having sexual intercourse without consent on a bloody night at the woman’s home in September, 2018.

Now it’s behind her, the woman broke her silence on social media by posting a famous quote by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami. “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive,” it reads. “You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”

The woman was praised for her “courage” and “resilience” by police after the drawn out court process, which took two trials. “Firstly I’d like to say what an incredible feat it was for the victim to go through this process,” Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney said.

“Her courage, resilience and steely nature through this process has been something that the investigators have worked with daily with her.”

“And for her this process has seen justice,” Superintendent Maloney added.

“And she certainly entered into this process with the thoughts of herself, but other people who are going through something like she has.

“(She is) amazingly courageous, resilient. I think as we all know it’s a really difficult process for everyone involved, but in particular victims and she’s certainly has come through this and feeling that she’s succeeded.”

Hayne has continued to claim his innocence after pleading not guilty to all charges and told reporters outside court last week he would appeal the verdict.

“I’d rather go to jail knowing I spoke the truth than be a free man living a lie,” he said. - Fox Sports