Jack de Belin's defence argues he should be acquitted of raping a teenager because 'consent means consent even if regretted' despite 'compelling' evidence from alleged victim
Jack de Belin's lawyer is set to continue his submissions as to why a jury should acquit the NRL and NSW State of Origin star of sexual assault charges.
The St George Illawarra forward, 29, and his friend, Callan Sinclair, 23, have pleaded not guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault, saying the early-morning encounter in a North Wollongong unit in December 2018 was consensual.
While prosecutor David Scully described the woman's evidence as 'compelling', Sinclair's barrister Craig Smith SC contended the jury would not be satisfied of either its accuracy or its reliability.
Pictured: Jack de Belin arrives at Wollongong District Court, south of Sydney, on Tuesday
De Belin , 29, and his friend, Callan Sinclair , 23, have pleaded not guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault
'You could easily conclude that they didn't treat the complainant as attentively as they should have,' Mr Smith told the Wollongong District Court jury on Tuesday.
'Let me make this point clear ... with sensitivity, firmness and respect.
'Consent given at the relevant time but later regretted is still consent.'
De Belin's barrister, David Campbell SC, stressed the 'powerful' evidence given about his client's good character, noting 'this tough man' was moved to tears when his sister praised him.
He also referred to the jury to intercepted phone calls between the accused men and others, when they repeatedly said they had consensual sex with the 19-year-old woman.
Mr Campbell will continue his address on Wednesday.
Judge Andrew Haesle will then sum up the cases and give the jurors legal directions before they retire to consider their verdicts.
Sinclair arrives at Wollongong District Court with his family on Tuesday
Jack de Belin's lawyer is set to continue his submissions as to why a jury should acquit the NRL and NSW State of Origin star of sexual assault charges
JACK DE BELIN SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIAL: A TIMELINE
DECEMBER 2018
De Belin is accused of raping a woman at an apartment in Wollongong, south of Sydney, in the early hours of Sunday December 9.
De Belin is charged with aggravated sexual assault on Thursday December 13.
De Belin denies the allegations.
His friend, Callan Sinclair, is charged on December 17.
JULY 2019
De Belin and his co-accused are committed to stand trial.
NOVEMBER 2020
Rape trial begins.
The pair have pleaded not guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault.
November 23
Prosecutor David Scully said the jury should reject the testimony of de Belin about his night with the woman accusing him of rape.
Mr Scully argued there was a 'fundamental disconnect' between the men and the complainant prior to entering a North Wollongong unit in December 2018.
November 24
Mr Scully concludes address.
November 25
De Belin's lawyer is set to continue his submissions as to why a jury should acquit the NRL star.
Judge Andrew Haesler will give legal directions before the jury begins deliberations.