A rugby league club connected to three schoolboys accused over an alleged group sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl in Sydney’s south-west has written to players and families about the case, as fresh details surrounding the investigation come to light.
The three teenagers, who are also aged 17, are due to face a children’s court again next month in relation to an alleged sexual assault at a home in the Macarthur region on August 15.
One of the boys remains in custody, while the other two have been released on bail.
Police are also examining a hotel after allegations emerged that underage teenagers had been drinking at the venue on the same day as the alleged incident.
Two of the accused teens attend the same school, while the third is enrolled elsewhere, and all three have links to the same unnamed football club.
Club officials acknowledged the connection last week, although the organisation cannot be identified for legal reasons.
‘You may be aware that NSW Police are investigating and have charged three young men in relation to serious allegations of sexual assault against a 17 year old girl,’ the letter stated.
‘As a club, we express our deepest thoughts for the young woman who is the victim in these sexual assault allegations and her family.
The Plough and Harrow in Camden is under investigation amid claims of underage drinking
Two of the three teens accused of gang raping a teenage girl attended St Gregory’s College
‘Any abuse or violence against any other person, especially women is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as a club, the community we represent or the values we stand for.
‘We have always taken, and will continue to take a firm stance stance against violence, abuse or criminal activity of any kind against any person.’
The club stressed that it remains committed to a culture of respect, safety, accountability and integrity.
The club urged players and families to not comment publicly on the matter.
‘This remains an active investigation with NSW Police, and as such, we ask you and your families to not speak with the media, not comment on social media regardless of any derogatory comments against the club or individuals, not respond to comments at upcoming matches and instead report them to us or ground managers,’ the letter added.
‘We understand that players and families within the club have been impacted by what has been alleged and would encourage you to reach out if you need any extra support.’
Police have previously alleged in court that the underage boys attended a local football match before they drank at a pub with the girl.
The third teenage accused of sexual assault attended Elderslie High School
The Plough and Harrow Hotel in Camden reportedly hosted a function for a sporting club on the day of the alleged assault,
When the girl decided to head home after starting to feel unwell, police will allege two boys initially went with her before a third later joined them, with all alleged to have been involved in the sexual assault for differing lengths of time.
NSW Police have since confirmed that they were investigating reports of underage drinking at the Plough and Harrow Hotel in Camden, which reportedly hosted a function for a sporting club on the day of the alleged assault, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Liquor and Gaming NSW is assisting with the police investigation.
‘As the matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment further,’ a spokesperson said.
The Plough and Harrow Hotel declined to comment on the matter.
Our News Outlet does not suggest that hotel staff served the accused trio or any other underage teens on the night of the alleged sexual assault.
The boy who remains behind bars faces 11 charges: six counts of aggravated sexual assault in the company of others and three counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
Another was charged with eight offences, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault in the company of others, common assault and sexual intercourse without consent.
A local rugby league club has broken its silence on the scandal a fortnight after St Gregory’s College principal Matthew Brennan suspended two students allegedly involved
The third youth has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault, offender in company with others.
Two of the accused attended prestigious boys school St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown, where parents fork out up to $12,350 a year in fees.
The third boy attended Elderslie High School.
The court heard last week that the two teens granted bail were weeks out from sitting for their HSC.
St Gregory’s College principal Matthew Brennan recently revealed that action had been taken against its two students allegedly involved.
‘We have a clear responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff,’ his letter to parents stated.
‘Whilst we are unable to share the details, we have already commenced disciplinary action in accordance with our established policy.
‘That policy clearly provides for the suspension of students suspected of criminal behaviour.
‘I want to reassure our community, including families, students and staff, that no student charged with a serious criminal offence, and where such proceedings are ongoing, would be permitted on campus in line with our safety obligations.’
