Ex-NRL star Michael Lichaa pleads not guilty to domestic violence against fiancee
Ex-NRL player Michael Lichaa is “adamant” he did not assault and threaten his partner during an alleged heated argument over a “love triangle” involving ex- teammate Adam Elliott, his lawyer claims.
Former Bulldogs hooker Mr Lichaa, 27, did not appear to face the domestic violence allegations at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday owing to the serious arm injuries he suffered during the alleged incident on Sunday morning.
But Kara Childerhouse, the alleged victim, arrived at court to support her fiance flanked by his legal team before refusing to comment as she brushed past reporters outside.
Inside court Mr Lichaa’s lawyer Sam Saadat entered pleas of not guilty to charges including common assault, destroying or damaging property and stalk/intimate to cause fear of physical harm.
The Lebanon international is facing allegations he assaulted and threatened Ms Childerhouse after he caught her in an “intimate” situation with close friend Mr Elliott following a night of drinking at his home in Sydney’s south.
Mr Saadat told the court his client had been “deemed unfit” by a doctor to attend in person after undergoing surgery to his arm before entering formal pleas of not guilty on his behalf.
Outside court Mr Saadat said the footballer was “adamant he didn’t do the things he was accused of”.
Kara Childerhouse (white dress) arrives at court with her partner’s lawyers, including Sam Saadat (left). Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia
He would not be drawn on whether Ms Childerhouse, 26, would be called to give evidence in support of her partner at an upcoming hearing in November.
“She came (today) to support him, that’s a matter for her,” Mr Saadat said.
Police will allege in court that Mr Lichaa threatened his partner after he woke to find her with Mr Elliott following a party at the Connells Point home.
It is alleged he chased Ms Childerhouse, 26, into the street before she locked herself in a room.
The two footballers then allegedly had a fiery verbal confrontation.
Police were called to the scene just before 5am by concerned neighbours and found Mr Lichaa with deep cuts to his arms, believed to have been sustained when he punched through a glass window.
The former Junior Kangaroo, who is without an NRL contract, was taken to hospital for surgery under police guard before being transported back to Kogarah police station for questioning and was later charged.
All charges are related to his alleged behaviour towards his long-time partner Ms Childerhouse.
Mr Elliott, 26, is not charged with any offences.
Kara Childerhouse marched past a waiting media pack outside court. Picture: John GraingerSource: News Corp Australia
The court was told there could be as many as six witnesses to give evidence before a scheduled hearing set down for November 2.
Mr Lichaa played 98 NRL games for the Canterbury Bulldogs before being released at the end of the 2019 season.
He began his professional career with the Cronulla Sharks, playing a single season for the club in 2014.
Ex-Bulldogs star’s fiancee supports him in court over love-triangle assault charge
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