A former two-time NRL All-star should wait a month to be taught his destiny for allegedly breaching strict Covid-19 journey restrictions in the course of the peak of the pandemic.
Josh Dugan, 32, appeared in Lithgow Local Court on Wednesday to be sentenced after he pleaded not responsible to contravening the state’s well being orders.
Court paperwork reveal the previous Cronulla Sharks centre was stopped by police simply earlier than midnight on August 20, 2021 whereas travelling by way of Lithgow close to the NSW Blue Mountains.
He and a pal have been instructed to drive again to Gymea, in Sydney’s south, however as an alternative they continued on to their unique vacation spot in Yetholme.
Only half an hour later, the previous Australian Kangaroos participant was pulled up once more by the identical officers.
A courtroom beforehand heard he informed police he was within the means of transferring to Yetholme, a rural city between Bathurst and Lithgow.
The former nationwide consultant participant allegedly informed police he was travelling to the nation space to feed animals that lived on his property.
Police argued these excuses have been proof that Mr Dugan knew he was flouting the strict Covid journey restrictions, which forbade journey between Sydney and regional NSW throughout that interval.
However, his lawyer Paul McGirr argued the police wanted to show the previous fullback knew which restrictions have been in place at a time when the laws have been continuously altering.
The NRL star’s authorized proceedings have been delayed on the finish of final yr after the legality of Covid penalty infringement notices got here into query following a Supreme Court ruling.
More than 33,000 Covid fines issued in NSW have been thrown out after the excessive courtroom decided the offences had not adequately been clearly recognized.
Mr Dugan had been set to lastly face sentencing over the alleged Covid breaches on Wednesday, however the courtroom heard the choice was adjourned for an additional month.
He will return to Lithgow Local Court on July 28 for the ultimate dedication, and can stay on bail within the meantime.
The 32-year-old performed 215 NRL video games throughout his 12-year profession from 2009 to 2021.
He retired after his contract with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks was terminated because of the Covid fees.
He represented NSW in 12 video games and performed for the nation in 12 exams throughout his vibrant profession.
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
