Legal Proceedings Follow Late-Night Arrest
Wendell Sailor, a prominent figure in Australian rugby league, has pleaded guilty to resisting police. The charge stems from an incident that occurred in Wollongong late last year. Sailor's plea was entered in Wollongong Local Court, where he did not appear in person. This development follows his arrest on December 5th of last year and a subsequent night spent in custody.
Incident Details and Charges
The legal action against Sailor originates from an event on the evening of December 5th. Police received reports of a man yelling and standing in the middle of a busy Wollongong road. Upon their arrival, officers allege Sailor resisted their attempts to move him and subsequently arrest him.
At the time of his arrest, Sailor was charged with:
Breach of bail
Obstructing traffic
Resisting arrest
During court proceedings, Sailor acknowledged that he had breached existing bail conditions, which prohibited him from being intoxicated in public.
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A separate charge of wilfully preventing the free passage of a person or vehicle was dropped by the prosecution.
Court Appearances and Sentencing
Following his arrest, Sailor was taken to Wollongong Police Station and subsequently spent a night in custody. He appeared at a weekend bail court the following day, reportedly in handcuffs and wearing a Chicago Bulls t-shirt. He was released on bail, with conditions including seeking medical attention and not being intoxicated in public.
On Monday, a plea of guilty to resisting police was entered on Sailor's behalf by his lawyer at Wollongong Local Court. He is scheduled to be sentenced in Sydney next month. Details surrounding the matter are understood to be under negotiation.
Background and Bail Conditions
Sailor, a former player for the Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons, and a dual-code international, had existing bail conditions in place at the time of the incident. These conditions specifically prohibited him from being intoxicated in public. Court reports indicate that Sailor accepted he had breached these conditions.
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During his initial bail hearing, details of Sailor's personal circumstances were raised, including a difficult family situation and a mental health struggle. While these were acknowledged, it was stated that they did not excuse the breach of his undertakings.
Summary of Key Facts
Guilty Plea: Wendell Sailor pleaded guilty to resisting police.
Incident Date: December 5th, last year.
Location: Wollongong, on a busy road.
Initial Charges: Breach of bail, obstructing traffic, resisting arrest.
Court Action: Plea entered on his behalf in Wollongong Local Court.
Bail Breach: Sailor admitted to breaching conditions prohibiting public intoxication.
Sentence: Scheduled for sentencing in Sydney next month.
Dropped Charge: Wilfully preventing free passage of traffic.
Sources Consulted:
Daily Mail Australia: Reports on Wendell Sailor's guilty plea to resisting police and the circumstances of his arrest, including breach of bail conditions.
Illawarra Mercury: Details the guilty plea in Wollongong Local Court and the dropped charge, noting the upcoming sentencing.
Wave FM: Covers the guilty plea for resisting police and the scheduled sentencing in Sydney.
Link: https://www.wavefm.com.au/local-news/former-nrl-star-pleads-guilty-after-wollongong-road-incident/
ESPN Australia: Reports on Sailor spending a night in custody and being charged with obstructing traffic and resisting arrest, also noting the bail breach admission.
The Sydney Morning Herald: Provides details on the charges of obstructing traffic and resisting arrest, the night in custody, and the breach of bail.
Canberra Times: Covers the night in custody, the charges, and the admission of breaching bail conditions, along with personal circumstances mentioned in court.
7NEWS: Reports on the arrest for alleged drunken incident, obstruction of traffic, resisting arrest, and breach of bail, as well as the court acknowledgement of personal difficulties.
Zero Tackle: Details Sailor's arrest for resisting police and obstructing traffic, and his subsequent granting of bail.
