Two of the alleged victims in the Sydney Swans sexual assault investigation have been found to be suffering severe trauma-related disorders.
The Age reports of the three women involved in the alleged incident at the Pullman Hotel in the early hours of August 17, two are “struggling to deal with what occurred”.
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All three were hired as exotic dancers and were in a hotel room with five Swans players – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice, the latter of whom has been cleared of any wrongdoing and is being treated as a witness.
No charges have been laid and the players have denied any criminal wrongdoing.
The women have made various allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate touching without consent.
Two of the women have been medically assessed with lengthy reports completed for the potential civil action against the players, one of them “extending to more than 40 pages of clinical detail”.
The media report states the women have had psychological evaluations and “had been found to be variously struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder”.
A source told the outlet: “These women are suffering severe stress and trauma. They are not in good shape.
“They have been pushed over the edge by the incident and its aftermath.”
It was reported earlier this week Victoria Police investigating the case were yet to file a brief of evidence with prosecutors and “it may be difficult to prosecute”.
Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner in their returns to Swans HQ.Source: FOX SPORTS
A brief of evidence is expected to be handed to the Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions by the end of October, at which point it’ll be assessed whether there is a reasonable chance of a conviction.
However “there is a growing belief in AFL and legal circles that sex assault charges may be difficult to prosecute following a review of statements taken from the Sydney players under scrutiny … the complainants and club officials,” according to the report.
“There is divided opinion on whether a secret recording seized by police in early September, and hailed as shedding light on the case, would be admissible in court.
“Letters may also be received by police soon submitting that a prima facie case does not exist and the men should not be charged.”
The Swans are holding their best and fairest awards tonight with all five players named, who were suspended for breaching club standards, eligible to win but permitted to not attend the gala event at Sydney Town Hall.