Former NRL Star Curtis Scott Charged with Multiple Offences After Sydney Altercations
Troubled former National Rugby League (NRL) player Curtis Scott has been formally charged with affray, assault causing actual bodily harm, and assaulting police officers. These charges stem from two separate alleged incidents that occurred in Sydney on March 14, leading to his arrest and an upcoming bail hearing.
Details of the Alleged Incidents
The first incident reportedly involved an altercation with an 18-year-old teenager over some clap sticks. According to police statements, officers from the Surry Hills Police Area Command responded to a scene where the teenager was involved in a verbal argument with two individuals unknown to him before allegedly being assaulted.
The second incident took place less than an hour later at the Moore Park Light Rail Station. Police attempted to speak with Scott after stopping a tram, but he allegedly left the scene after assaulting a senior constable, who sustained minor injuries. The 18-year-old victim received treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial injuries and was transported to hospital for further care.
Legal Proceedings and Background
Curtis Scott, aged 28, spent the night in custody and is scheduled to face a magistrate in a Sydney bail hearing on Wednesday. His criminal lawyer, Paul McGirr, confirmed that Scott will apply for bail. McGirr described the incident as a fight between two strangers over clap sticks, noting that Scott fled when police tried to apprehend him without announcing their office or the reason for arrest.
McGirr referenced a 2020 case where Scott successfully sued police after being pepper-sprayed and tasered while drunk in a Sydney park. Magistrate Jennifer Giles ruled that arrest unlawful, with police ordered to cover Scott's $100,000 legal bill. McGirr suggested Scott becomes "heightened" when apprehended without clear explanation.
Scott's Career and Past Controversies
A highly touted junior rugby star, Curtis Scott made his NRL debut in 2016 with the Melbourne Storm, winning a premiership the following season. He moved to the Canberra Raiders in 2020 but was sacked in 2021 after an assault charge brought the club into disrepute.
Since ending his NRL career, Scott has focused on heavyweight boxing, remaining unbeaten in four bouts, including victories against AFL legend Barry Hall and All Blacks great Liam Messam. However, his personal life has been marred by legal issues.
In 2022, Scott was convicted and fined for domestic violence offences against his former girlfriend, athlete Tay-Leiha Clark. He was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical harm.
Additionally, Scott is contesting allegations of drink-driving before leaving the scene of a crash in Sydney's south. It is alleged that he drove over the legal limit when he crashed his ute into trees on Kennedy Crescent in Bonnet Bay on June 15 last year.
Police arrested Scott and a 55-year-old woman at Surry Hills police station on Tuesday morning following an investigation into the March 14 incidents. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance.
