NRL player charged with assaulting police after alleged brawl
Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer in a brawl on the NSW Central Coast.
Starling, 22, was charged with assaulting an officer in the execution of his duty, affray and resisting or hindering an officer.
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He was one of four men charged after police were allegedly assaulted during the brawl at a restaurant on Saturday night.
The Raiders issued a brief statement on Sunday saying they have been made aware of an incident involving Starling overnight and have informed the NRL integrity unit.
Shocking pictures of a bashed-up Tom Starling have been released as well as crucial details about what sparked a brawl that saw the Raiders rising star arrested: https://t.co/OzUeCo9LeL pic.twitter.com/dzOqCNAQkz
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) December 6, 2020
NRL Integrity Unit investigating
An NRL spokesman said the unit was liaising with police and the club.
Starling burst onto the NRL scene this year as a back-up hooker for the Raiders, after they lost captain Josh Hodgson to a season-ending knee injury.
He proved a crucial part in their run to the NRL's preliminary finals, earning a new two-year contract in September.
Police say they were called to the restaurant in Kincumber after security called for assistance in dealing with a patron who wouldn't leave.
#EXCLUSIVE: Canberra #Raiders rising star Tom #Starling has been charged with assaulting police after a brawl on the Central Coast. The NRL is aware of the incident. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/CZJN7U1i8j
— Tiffiny Genders (@tiffgenders) December 5, 2020
When police arrived, they were told the patron had left, but security became involved in an altercation with another patron they say failed to leave the licensed premises.
The 19-year-old man was arrested and while he was being escorted from the venue, three other men - aged 20, 22 and 24 - allegedly became aggressive and assaulted police numerous times in an attempt to intervene.
With help from the riot squad, all four men were arrested and charged with similar offences to Starling.
They were all granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on January 21, 2021.
Apart from a male senior constable being cut on his hand, no other officers were injured.
The 20-year-old man who was arrested was taken to Gosford Hospital for an arm laceration to be treated.
The charges for Canberra Raiders' Tom Starling: The 22-year-old man was charged with assault officer in execution of duty (x5), affray and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 6, 2020
Have just received a statement from the NRL as well, it reads:
"The Canberra Raiders have reported an alleged incident involving Tom Starling to the Integrity Unit.
"The Integrity Unit is liaising with both the NSW Police and the club."— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) December 5, 2020
BREAKING: Raider Tom Starling arrested after an incident overnight. Charged with assaulting police. NRL investigation has started. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) December 5, 2020
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