Content Warning: This article about Jarryd Hayne discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know is affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Following the news that former professional rugby league player Jarryd Hayne was sentenced to five years and nine months in jail for the sexual assault of a woman in 2018, bizarre details about the night in which the assault took place have now emerged.
According to Fox Sports, Hayne apparently tried to serenade his victim with a slew of truly corny songs that makes us cringe to even thinking about, especially knowing what horrific acts took place soon after.
Among the sportsman’s reported repertoire was Ed Sheeran’s cover of Oasis classic ‘Wonderwall’, which is generally reserved for that annoying guy at a party who for some reason brought his guitar along.
During the hearing, Hayne said he went into the woman’s bedroom and lay on her bed where he attempted to serenade her by singing along to some of his “go-to” songs on YouTube, including Ed’s ‘Wonderwall’ cover.
The victim said that following this, he forcibly kissed her and pushed her head into the pillow, and assaulted her.
Judge Syme handed down her sentence at the Newcastle District Court today, telling Hayne “She clearly said no several times and indicated by her actions.”
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“There is no other conclusion than he knew she did not consent.
“The offender… went ahead anyway and forced a sexual act on her.”
Judge Syme said the woman’s refusal increased the seriousness of the crime.
“The assault was only a matter of minutes at most and he stopped,” she said.
“He did not stop because she said so, but because he saw blood.”
The disgraced sports star will face a non-parole period of three years and eight months and will be eligible for release on January 5, 2025.
