NRL star Tom Starling was held in a chokehold whereas a police officer punched him within the ribs throughout a violent affray, a court docket has been advised.
The Canberra Raiders hooker and his brothers have fronted court docket to battle allegations about their roles in a large brawl at a Central Coast bar that was damaged up by a riot squad and a number of other law enforcement officials.
The 23-year-old and his brothers Jackson, 25, and Josh, 20, confronted Sydney Downing Centre Native Courtroom on Wednesday over their alleged roles in a violent brawl on the Shady Palms resort in December 2020.
Tom and Jackson have each pleaded not responsible to resisting police within the execution of their obligation.
Their brother Josh has denied three counts of resisting police and one cost of frequent assault.
A fourth man, Jesse Byrne, additionally pleaded not responsible to hindering police.
The violent melee allegedly occurred when the Starling brothers have been out with family and friends to have a good time a twenty first birthday celebration on the resort at Avoca Seashore.
CCTV footage performed to the court docket exhibits the NRL star being punched within the face repeatedly by a riot officer as a crush of individuals battle round them.
The surprising video exhibits the riot squad and a number of other law enforcement officials amid a crowd of struggling folks that surges throughout the room.
A riot officer will be seen grabbing Tom Starling and persevering with to hit him within the face whereas he stumbles backwards.
The Raiders hooker was then held in a headlock as a police officer punched him within the ribs, the court docket was advised.
The court docket was advised the officer, Senior Constable Daniel Drew, admitted he had “no motive to punch” Tom Starling on the time.
Josh Starling allegedly noticed what was occurring together with his brother and kicked out at Constable Drew, putting his thigh “with pressure”.
Justice of the Peace Daniel Covington stated the police officer punching Tom Starling whereas he was in a chokehold was “clearly inconsistent together with his obligation” however famous the bar was a “hostile setting” on the time.
Not one of the law enforcement officials concerned within the violent altercation have been charged, the court docket was advised.
A police officer testified the skilled requirements committee continues to be conducting its investigation into the incident.
The listening to continues.
