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NRL star George Burgess to face hearing in February 2023 over sexual touching charge

Lauren FerriNCA NewsWire
George Burgess is represented by lawyer Bryan Wrench. Lauren Ferri
Camera IconGeorge Burgess is represented by lawyer Bryan Wrench. Lauren Ferri Credit: Supplied

A hearing date has been set for NRL player George Burgess, who will fight a charge of sexually touching a woman at her Sydney home.

The St George Illawarra forward was charged in March after the woman made a complaint at Mascot police station in the city’s south.

Police allege the woman claimed she was sexually touched without consent by a man known to her on March 8 at a Sydney home.

According to court documents seen by NCA NewsWire, Mr Burgess is alleged to have “sexually touched the woman’s bottom without her consent” between 10.20am and 10.45am.

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Mr Burgess did not appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday as high-profile criminal lawyer Bryan Wrench fronted court to have a date set for the hearing.

George Burgess did not appear in court on Wednesday when a hearing date was set. 9News
Camera IconGeorge Burgess did not appear in court on Wednesday when a hearing date was set. 9News Credit: Channel 9

The court was told the hearing would last for one day on February 22, 2023.

Earlier this month, Mr Wrench told the court he was waiting on DNA results.

“We have the brief of evidence but we still need DNA results … there’s no DNA evidence of him,” he told the court.

Mr Wrench told the court there was “significant dispute” over what had happened.

Mr Burgess assisted police in the investigation after the woman came forward and made the complaint to police in March.

At the time of his arrest, the Dragons star said the NRL’s integrity unit had been informed about the investigation.

George Burgess, who denies sexually touching the woman in Mascot, with his wife Joanna. Instagram
Camera IconGeorge Burgess, who denies sexually touching the woman in Mascot, with his wife Joanna. Instagram Credit: Supplied

“The St George Illawarra Dragons have been made aware of a matter involving one of its players by the NRL integrity unit,” the Dragons said in a statement on March 21.

Despite the NRL having a “no fault stand-down policy”, it confirmed Burgess would not be stood down.

The charge of sexual touching carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment if convicted.

“The National Rugby League has advised the St George Illawarra Dragons that player George Burgess will be permitted to continue playing in the NRL premiership while subject to criminal proceedings,” the NRL said in a statement on March 28.

Originally published as NRL star George Burgess to face hearing in February 2023 over sexual touching charge

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