Warning: This story incorporates particulars and content material that some readers might discover distressing.
A former Melbourne Demons recruit is suing the AFL and a former coach of his from a junior soccer league, who he alleges sexually assaulted him after a recreation when he was an adolescent.
Daniel Hayes alleges that his former assistant coach of the Eastern Ranges, Mark Heaney, acquired him drunk after which raped him whereas Hayes was at a barbeque at Heaney’s home when he was 17.
“I put a lot of trust into Mark,” Hayes informed 9News.
Heaney has publicly denied the claims and no expenses have been laid.
Hayes was drafted to the Demons in 2006 following the alleged assault, however was delisted after repeatedly not turning as much as coaching.
The 34-year-old father of 5 has survived three suicide makes an attempt because the alleged assault and turned to medication and alcohol to manage.
“I hit rock bottom, I’ve got five kids who I don’t see,” he stated.
Hayes is suing each Heaney and the AFL because the operator of the Eastern Ranges.
He is searching for monetary compensation to cowl the earnings he might have made as an AFL participant, in addition to medical prices to enhance his psychological well being.
“It derailed everything, I walked out of my dream,” Hayes stated.
His attorneys declare the AFL didn’t uphold their obligation of care to Hayes.
“The AFL had a duty of care to protect Daniel and a duty of care to make sure he was safe while trusting them to help him through his professional career,” lawyer Aleksandar Dukovski stated.
Hayes says he simply needs justice, and to be a voice for different younger males who might have gone by the same factor.
“I blamed myself for most of my life, and I can’t do it no more.”
Victoria Police says an investigation into the matter stays ongoing.
Support is accessible from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Readers searching for assist can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or past blue on 1300 22 4636
Source: www.9news.com.au
