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Let me play footy: Maitua
By PETER BADEL
December 12, 2004
BULLDOGS premiership-winning forward Reni Maitua has revealed the emotional trauma of his brush with the law after being acquitted of brutally kicking and punching an off-duty police officer unconscious.
Emotional trauma: Reni Maitua
In August, Maitua was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following a wild brawl two years ago.
While the offence carried a maximum seven years jail, Maitua was fined $2000.
But on Wednesday, Maitua had both charges overturned in the District Court on appeal – clearing him of any involvement in the attack on Constable Tim Allen.
"The defence cost me a great deal of money and stress but, more importantly, my mother and father have also suffered a great deal," Maitua said via a statement last night.
"I was charged with a number of offences after a clash between young partygoers and young off-duty police officers at a Sydney club in 2002. Both groups had been drinking.
"I did not commit the offences I was charged with. I have defended the charges at the Local Court and in the District Court on appeal. I have been acquitted.
"I could not have survived this experience without the support of the Bulldogs, my family and friends and my solicitor, Mr (Clive) Jeffreys.
"I am particularly grateful to the NSW justice system which provided me with the opportunity to establish my innocence.
"I now want to concentrate on my football career without any further distractions."
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said the club was thrilled with the decision.
"This has been a very emotional, personal matter for Reni and we are just glad it is all over," Noad said.
"It has been a very difficult time for Reni. He had this matter on his mind for months.
"But we always had faith in what he told us and that it was the absolute truth."
Maitua had been charged with bashing Constable Allen during a fight at Coogee-Randwick RSL Club on December 22, 2002.
The 22-year-old was among 150 members and friends of notorious surfing gang the "Bra Boys", who were celebrating a 21st birthday when Constable Allen was dragged from a lift.
The melee broke out shortly after 1am as revellers clashed with up to 100 Waverley police leaving a Christmas party on the second floor.
Constable Allen suffered a twice-broken nose and a large cut under his eye.
The Police Association slammed the decision to fine Maitua $2000 as a "disgrace".
But on appeal, District Court Chief Judge Justice Blanch quashed the charges against Maitua based on conflicting evidence.
It is understood a key factor in Maitua's acquittal was a witness claim that Constable Allen's attacker was 6ft 4in (193cm) in height. Maitua stands 5ft 11in (180cm).
Maitua played a key role in the Bulldogs' premiership win last season. The back-rower played 25 games and claimed a premiership ring in his rookie season in the NRL.
www.sundaytelegraph.com.au
By PETER BADEL
December 12, 2004
BULLDOGS premiership-winning forward Reni Maitua has revealed the emotional trauma of his brush with the law after being acquitted of brutally kicking and punching an off-duty police officer unconscious.
Emotional trauma: Reni Maitua
In August, Maitua was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following a wild brawl two years ago.
While the offence carried a maximum seven years jail, Maitua was fined $2000.
But on Wednesday, Maitua had both charges overturned in the District Court on appeal – clearing him of any involvement in the attack on Constable Tim Allen.
"The defence cost me a great deal of money and stress but, more importantly, my mother and father have also suffered a great deal," Maitua said via a statement last night.
"I was charged with a number of offences after a clash between young partygoers and young off-duty police officers at a Sydney club in 2002. Both groups had been drinking.
"I did not commit the offences I was charged with. I have defended the charges at the Local Court and in the District Court on appeal. I have been acquitted.
"I could not have survived this experience without the support of the Bulldogs, my family and friends and my solicitor, Mr (Clive) Jeffreys.
"I am particularly grateful to the NSW justice system which provided me with the opportunity to establish my innocence.
"I now want to concentrate on my football career without any further distractions."
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said the club was thrilled with the decision.
"This has been a very emotional, personal matter for Reni and we are just glad it is all over," Noad said.
"It has been a very difficult time for Reni. He had this matter on his mind for months.
"But we always had faith in what he told us and that it was the absolute truth."
Maitua had been charged with bashing Constable Allen during a fight at Coogee-Randwick RSL Club on December 22, 2002.
The 22-year-old was among 150 members and friends of notorious surfing gang the "Bra Boys", who were celebrating a 21st birthday when Constable Allen was dragged from a lift.
The melee broke out shortly after 1am as revellers clashed with up to 100 Waverley police leaving a Christmas party on the second floor.
Constable Allen suffered a twice-broken nose and a large cut under his eye.
The Police Association slammed the decision to fine Maitua $2000 as a "disgrace".
But on appeal, District Court Chief Judge Justice Blanch quashed the charges against Maitua based on conflicting evidence.
It is understood a key factor in Maitua's acquittal was a witness claim that Constable Allen's attacker was 6ft 4in (193cm) in height. Maitua stands 5ft 11in (180cm).
Maitua played a key role in the Bulldogs' premiership win last season. The back-rower played 25 games and claimed a premiership ring in his rookie season in the NRL.
www.sundaytelegraph.com.au
