Sydney Swans players embroiled in a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in a Melbourne hotel will not face criminal charges.
Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey had been under a police investigation over the alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in late August.
Several adult entertainers are understood to have joined players at the hotel after being hired in the hours after the Swans’ win against Essendon on August 17.
The ABC understands the investigation centred on a player allegedly touching one of the women without her consent.
The police investigation centred on events at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne in August. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica )
Multiple police sources previously told the ABC they understood an arrangement was reached in the hotel room for players to pay extra to take drugs, believed to be cocaine, from the women’s breasts and buttocks.
It is unclear how many players, or which players, had allegedly participated.
It is understood a woman was seen leaving the hotel room in a distressed state in the early hours of the morning, with a Triple Zero (000) call made to police soon after.
This morning, Victoria Police confirmed no charges would be laid over the incident.
“Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence,” a police spokesperson said.
Victoria Police said due to an “ongoing civil matter”, no further comment would be made.
Sydney ‘stands by’ decision to suspend players
The players were sidelined by the Sydney Swans in the days after the incident, for staying out late drinking and inviting women back to the team hotel in breach of club standards.
Fellow Swans player Riley Bice, who was also stood down for breaching club standards, was earlier cleared in the investigation.
In a statement, Sydney Swans management today said they acknowledged the Victoria Police investigation had concluded and that they stood by the decision to stand down the players “because their conduct fell short of the standards of behaviour expected at the club”.
“The club was clear from the outset that this decision was separate from the police investigation, and it stands by that decision.
“The club has commenced a comprehensive examination of its AFL program and is committed to acting on the findings and implementing meaningful change to build an environment that players, staff, members, supporters and corporate partners can be proud of,” the statement said.
Blakey last month moved from the Swans to North Melbourne football club, apologising for “the events that led up to my exit from Sydney”.
“I know I have to win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise,” he said at the time.
Women to proceed with civil claims, lawyers say
The police update comes as lawyers confirm three women are pursuing civil lawsuits related to the allegations.
Lawyers representing one of the women who alleges she was sexually assaulted said she was “devastated” by the decision.
Slater and Gordon lawyer Jackson Pannam said what had occurred had a “profound impact” on her.
“She reported the incident immediately, provides a formal statement and cooperated fully with the investigation,” he said.
“She has shown enormous courage in coming forward.”
Mr Pannam confirmed the woman would proceed with a civil case, which must be proved on a “balance of probabilities” rather than the higher criminal standard of “beyond reasonable doubt”.
“The absence of criminal charges does not prevent a civil claim from proceeding,”
Mr Pannam said.
“Slater and Gordon Lawyers is continuing to prepare a civil claim against the relevant parties and will continue to support our client through this extremely difficult time.”
Victoria Police said a thorough investigation into the incident concluded there was insufficient evidence to lay charges. (ABC News)
John Karantzis from Carbone Lawyers, who is acting for two of the women in a civil claim against the club, said his clients were “very disappointed and distressed” over the outcome of the police investigation.
He said the women would still forge ahead with their civil claim.
“My clients’ civil claim is based on a different burden of proof, it is based on the balance of probabilities,” he said.
“We will vigorously pursue this claim.”
Isaac Heeney welcomes police update
In a statement, Heeney welcomed the police announcement.
“The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those close to me,” Heeney said.
“Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking.
“To my family and friends, your love and loyalty has meant more than words can do justice.
Swans player Isaac Heeney was among those spoken to by police during the investigation. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)
“To those that have never doubted me and stood by my side in solidarity — thank you. I know it has not been easy in the face of such intense public scrutiny. I will never forget your support.
“To the entire Sydney Swans Club — my teammates, coaches, the board, our sponsors, and our loyal members and fans — thank you for keeping faith in me.
“The Swans have given me an opportunity to live out a childhood dream and I am fully focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player I can be.”
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