Ex-NRL star Jarryd Hayne to face agonising wait for third sexual assault trial

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne will have to face an agonising wait for a third sexual assault trial after a judge refused to hold the court proceedings in Newcastle.

Hayne has employed high-profile barrister Margaret Cunneen SC to defend him ahead of his third trial over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in Newcastle in 2018.

Solicitor Angela Cook on Monday appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court where she applied on behalf of Mr Hayne for the upcoming trial to be held in Newcastle, with Hayne watching via videolink.

The former NRL star wanted the hearing to be heard in Newcastle with the argument that any trial should be held where the alleged offence took place.

“He wants the trial in Newcastle, that is the District Court where the matters were last heard,” Ms Cook told the court.

However, the hearing will take place in Sydney, but because there was no availability for a three-week District Court trial in Sydney until February next year because of the backlog of cases due to Covid, Hayne would have to face an extortionate waiting time.