Rugby star’s court fight after being cleared of sexual assault

Wallabies star Kurtley Beale will return to court this month in a bid to compel the state to pay his six-figure legal bill after he was acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman in a Sydney bar.

The 35-year-old stood trial in the NSW District Court earlier this year after he pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual touching.

Following a two week trial, the jurors took less than an hour to determine the rugby star had not groped a woman’s bottom at the Beach Road bar in Bondi on December 17, 2022.

They also rejected the woman’s claims Mr Beale had then forced her to engage in oral sex in the men’s bathroom.

The Wallabies star had consistently denied the allegations and told reporters he was relieved the “truth has come out” after he was cleared of the charges.

“I have always maintained my innocence,” he said.

“My family and I have suffered a terrible year.”

On Friday, his barrister Margaret Cunneen SC and solicitor Lauren MacDougall were due to return to court to apply for the NSW Department of Public Prosecutions to pay their fees.

It’s understood Mr Beale’s legal costs amount to hundreds of thousands.

However, the costs dispute was unable to be heard because the court building was closed for electrical issues.

The hearing will instead be held on May 19.