Latest news with #MagistrateBurt
ABC News
6 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Mesepa Salesa, wife of Raiders star Josh Papalii, convicted of assault over rugby league brawl
The wife of Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii has been convicted of assault and handed a good behaviour order in the ACT Magistrates Court. Mesepa Selesa was charged with two counts of common assault after a rugby league match in Canberra last July. In CCTV footage previously shown in court, Salesa can be seen taking to the field and becoming involved in an altercation with a 17-year-old player, who she pushed, punched and then dragged by the hair. The pair were separated by other spectators before a different female lunged at Salesa, who responded by grabbing her, pulling her jersey over her head, striking her and pulling her towards the ground. They were then separated by onlookers. Salesa's defence barrister Anthony Williamson asked the court last week to dismiss the charges on account of his client's mental impairment at the time, which he said had been caused by the recent autism diagnosis of her son. In court today, Magistrate Alexandra Burt said she accepted Salesa was suffering from some degree of mental impairment but did not believe dismissing the charges was appropriate given their seriousness. "In my view, it is at about the mid-point," Magistrate Burt said. The court was read victim impact statements from the older victim as well as her mother. The victim described the "serious and ongoing impact" of the incident, including an inability to carry out normal day-to-day activities for weeks afterwards. She said she had been a passionate rugby league player but that changed following last year's attack. "Since then, I have felt I was unable to return to the sport … due to the trauma and humiliation," the victim said in a statement. The victim's mother wrote about the after-effects for her grandson, who had witnessed the assault. "My five-year-old grandson was … heartbroken," the statement read. "My grandson didn't understand why his mum was beaten up." During sentencing Magistrate Burt acknowledged Salesa had entered early pleas of guilty, as well as her traumatic childhood, which involved being exposed to abuse and violence. "I accept she has taken responsibility, and I should give her the benefit of an early plea," she said. "I accept she is genuinely and deeply remorseful." Magistrate Burt also made it clear to the court that she would not treat Salesa "any differently because of the apparent profile of her husband". Papalii supported his wife in court and, as they left in their vehicle, made a rude hand gesture at reporters. The court also heard that Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart had written Salesa a character reference attesting to her "unwavering support" of her husband and children. Mr Williamson had argued a severe sentence could mean Salesa was subjected to extra-curial punishment given the governing body for grassroots rugby league in Canberra had already banned her from attending matches for a decade. The ban means she will not be able to watch her son, who is now 10, play the sport until he is 17 years old. "I accept you feel the impact of that ban keenly and you worry about the future and your children feeling discouraged and disappointed," Magistrate Burt said. "I accept that this is a heavy burden to you." Magistrate Burt characterised the governing body's ban as appropriate and "a natural consequence" of Salesa's conduct but said she accepted some degree of extra-curial punishment. She added that there remained a need to denounce Selesa's actions. "Young people must be safe from violence at all times." After ruling a term of imprisonment was not warranted, Magistrate Burt imposed a good behaviour order of 15 months with six months of supervision by Corrective Services. The term of supervision was deferred until November on account of Salesa being 38 weeks pregnant with her fourth child. Magistrate Burt then spoke directly to Salesa.
ABC News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Mesepa Selesa, wife of Raiders star Josh Papalii, convicted of assault over Rugby League brawl
The wife of Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii has been convicted of assault and handed a good behaviour order in the ACT Magistrates Court. Mesepa Selesa was charged with two counts of common assault after a rugby league match in Canberra last July. In CCTV footage previously shown in court, Selesa can be seen taking to the field and becoming involved in an altercation with a 17-year-old player, who she pushed, punched and then dragged by the hair. The pair were separated by other spectators before a different female lunged at Selesa, who responded by grabbing her, pulling her jersey over her head, striking her and pulling her towards the ground. They were then separated by onlookers. Selesa's defence barrister Anthony Williamson asked the court last week to dismiss the charges on account of his client's mental impairment at the time, which he said had been caused by the recent autism diagnosis of her son. In court today, Magistrate Alexandra Burt said she accepted Selesa was suffering from some degree of mental impairment but did not believe dismissing the charges was appropriate given their seriousness. "In my view, it is at about the mid-point," Magistrate Burt said. The court was read victim impact statements from the older victim as well as her mother. The victim described the "serious and ongoing impact" of the incident, including an inability to carry out normal day-to-day activities for weeks afterwards. She said she had been a passionate rugby league player but that changed following last year's attack. "Since then, I have felt I was unable to return to the sport … due to the trauma and humiliation," the victim said in a statement. The victim's mother wrote about the after-effects for her grandson, who had witnessed the assault. "My five-year-old grandson was … heartbroken," the statement read. "My grandson didn't understand why his mum was beaten up." During sentencing Magistrate Burt acknowledged Ms Selesa had entered early pleas of guilty, as well as her traumatic childhood, which involved being exposed to abuse and violence. "I accept she has taken responsibility, and I should give her the benefit of an early plea," she said. "I accept she is genuinely and deeply remorseful." Magistrate Burt also made it clear to the court that she would not treat Selesa "any differently because of the apparent profile of her husband". Papalii supported his wife in court and, as they left in their vehicle, made a rude hand gesture at reporters. The court also heard that Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart had written Selesa a character reference attesting to her "unwavering support" of her husband and children. Mr Williamson had argued a severe sentence could mean Selesa was subjected to extra-curial punishment given the governing body for grassroots rugby league in Canberra had already banned her from attending matches for a decade. The ban means she will not be able to watch her son, who is now 10, play the sport until he is 17 years old. "I accept you feel the impact of that ban keenly and you worry about the future and your children feeling discouraged and disappointed," Magistrate Burt said. "I accept that this is a heavy burden to you." Magistrate Burt characterised the governing body's ban as appropriate and "a natural consequence" of Selesa's conduct but said she accepted some degree of extra-curial punishment. She added that there remained a need to denounce Selesa's actions. "Young people must be safe from violence at all times." After ruling a term of imprisonment was not warranted, Magistrate Burt imposed a good behaviour order of 15 months with six months of supervision by Corrective Services. The term of supervision was deferred until November on account of Selesa being 38 weeks pregnant with her fourth child. Magistrate Burt then spoke directly to Selesa.
ABC News
08-05-2025
- ABC News
Canberra cafe manager refused bail after alleged sexual assault of teenaged staff member
A Canberra cafe manager is behind bars after he was denied bail in the ACT Magistrates Court for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl he allegedly told "let's keep this a secret". Dhiren Patel, 32, was also a part owner of the cafe and is facing multiple charges. They are three charges of rape, one charge of committing an act of indecency and one of supplying alcohol to a young person after the alleged offences against the girl who worked at the cafe. The court heard the offence was partially captured on CCTV. Bail denied due to risk of reoffending Prosecutor Liam Taylor told the court it was an overwhelming case and he was concerned Mr Patel might reoffend or pose a threat to the alleged victim. He urged the court to refuse bail, saying no conditions would suffice to help the situation. Mr Patel's lawyer James Maher disagreed saying his client could be controlled if ordered not to leave his house except in the company of his wife. Magistrate Alexandra Burt told Mr Maher she had concerns about releasing him even on strict conditions. " I think the account your client has given the police ... it's hard to reconcile with the CCTV. " But Mr Maher said the footage was consistent with admissions, including that he was in the kitchen with the girl, that his clothes were on the floor, and that he was naked in her presence. He told the court it was a reasonably strong case but not overwhelming. Magistrate Burt said the case represented a significant power imbalance, which included claims Mr Patel gave the girl alcohol, as well as "allegations that while she was intoxicated he did have sexual relations with her". She said the claims he gave her money and urged her to keep it secret were also concerning. Magistrate Burt said in circumstances where the allegations included grooming and a breach of trust, the risks were too great. The case will return to court later this month.
