Sri Lanka batter Danushka Gunathilaka, awaiting trial on charges of alleged sexual assault, was granted bail on Thursday. He appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court via an audiovisual link from Parklea jail.
Gunathilaka was arrested by Sydney police on November 6 at Hyatt Regency Hotel, where he was staying as a part of the Sri Lankan team for the T20 World Cup. The player is facing four counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
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In the court, Police prosecutor Kerry-Ann McKinnon opposed bail stating Gunathilaka is a flight risk and could endanger the safety of the complainant.
Magistrate Janet Wahlquist took into account how bail would be approached if Gunathilaka was an Australian citizen facing the same charges. Bail was granted at AUD 150,000 with various conditions. Under these conditions, Gunathilaka can not use Tinder or any other dating apps, nor can he access his existing social media accounts without the presence of his legal team.
There were some serious allegations against the accused, according to the police facts sheet filed with the court. The complainant alleged Gunathilaka of repeatedly choking her.
“The complainant tried to remove the accused’s hand by grabbing his wrist but the accused squeezed tighter around her neck. The complainant was fearing for her life and could not get away from the accused.”
In a police interview following the arrest, Gunathilaka corroborated some of the alleged victim’s story but denied that consent was not given or that he was violent.
Prosecutors argued the victim did not consent to sex without a condom or any other sexual acts performed. Murugan Thangaraj, from the defendant, said Gunathilaka had complied with authorities and surrendered his passport.
“There is no capacity demonstrated for him to be able to flee,”
Thangaraj said.
The crickter will be required to live at a given location and report to police daily.
