Tempers fray outside court after ex-NRL star Jarryd Hayne jailed

The Newcastle Court House was subject to violent scenes after Jarryd Hayne was jailed for the rape of a woman.

One of the former NRL star’s supporters was labelled a “disgrace” by police after he appeared to spit at the victim as she exited the court, according to Fox Sports.

A violent brawl also erupted as a group of friends and family attempted to shield Hayne’s wife, Amellia Bonnici, as she walked out of the court house.

Several of them waved umbrellas and formed a scrum around Bonnici as she attempted to get into a waiting car.

One photographer told NCA Newswire that he was punched in the back of the head and placed in a headlock.

“It’s a reflection on them, it’s absolutely disgraceful and disgusting,” NSW Police Detective Inspector Eugene Stek said.

After Hayne was sentenced by Judge Helen Syme to five years and nine months in prison, the victim attempted to exit the court alongside the crown prosecution and police. As the woman did, it’s alleged that a male supporter of Hayne spat in her direction.

The same supporter then made unfounded allegations about the woman, who was 26-years-old at the time of the rape, to the press and had a running verbal battle with one female reporter.

Soon after a violent altercation took place between supporters and journalists with some supporters having to be restrained by friends and family as things boiled over – though no arrests were made.

Det Insp Stek praised the bravery of the woman, saying she was an inspiration to fellow victims.

“I’d like to comment on the bravery of the survivor of this matter – a very strong and inspiring young woman who has got the world at her feet,” Det Ins Stek said.

“I hope other women can draw inspiration from her, men can draw inspiration from her and have confidence to come to the police.”