NSW: Stewart pleads not guilty to sex charges

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2009
NSW: Stewart pleads not guilty to sex charges

SYDNEY, April 7 AAP - Manly rugby league star Brett Stewart will fight sex charges
relating to a 17-year-old girl.

In Manly Local Court on Tuesday, his lawyer Ian Byrne said the 24-year-old fullback
formally entered pleas of not guilty.

He is charged with having sexual intercourse without the consent of the teenager between
7.45pm and 8.05pm on March 6 at North Manly.

He is also charged with assault with an act of indecency - namely that he "forced his
tongue into her mouth".

Magistrate Margaret Quinn adjourned the charges to the Downing Centre Local Court on
May 26 and at Mr Byrne's request, listed a related subpoena matter on May 12 at the same
court.

She continued Stewart's bail and excused him from appearing on the two May dates if
he was legally represented.

Ms Quinn also extended by three months an apprehended violence order (AVO) issued by
police in relation to the alleged victim.

The order bans Stewart from approaching or contacting the teenager.

Stewart did not comment as he left the court, and remained silent throughout the brief hearing.

AAP mss/pbc/hn/maur/de

KEYWORD: STEWART UPDATE (PIX AVAILABLE)

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