Massive twist as decision looms on third trial for Hayne

SEXUAL assault charges against Jarryd Hayne (left) could be dropped, with a court hearing prosecutors are still considering whether to proceed with a third trial.

Hayne was on Friday expected to learn when he would face a jury again after having his convictions overturned on appeal earlier this week.

His lawyer Ramy Qutami appeared via videolink before Sydney’s Downing District Court where it was anticipated that a retrial date would be set.

However, prosecutor Isha Fay told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had not yet decided whether a third trial would take place.

“This matter is listed for mention following a decision by the Court of Criminal Appeal,” Ms Fay told Judge Chris O’brien on Friday afternoon.

“The crown at this stage is still considering its position in relation to a retrial.”

The matter was adjourned for a fortnight with prosecutor Sally Dowling to make the decision on whether to proceed with a third trial. Mr Qutami also told the court that he would make an application for any trial to be held in Newcastle.

Hayne walked out of Cooma Correctional Centre on Tuesday after having his sexual assault conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal.

The EX-NFL convert served nine months in prison after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at her Newcastle home on NRL grand final night in 2018.

His first trial in 2020 resulted in a hung jury. However, following a second in March last year, a jury found the former Parramatta Eels fullback guilty of two counts of sexual assault. Hayne has consistently maintained that the sexual acts he performed on the woman were consensual.

He was bailed on the condition he forfeit $20,000 within seven days and report to Merrylands Police Station three days a week.