An emotional Brett Stewart sobbed yesterday as a jury found him not guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
After a 10-day trial, it took the panel of five women and seven men less than two hours to reach unanimous verdicts.
Outside Sydney's Downing Centre District Court yesterday, the Manly
Sea Eagle fullback's lawyer Ian Byrne said his client was "very grateful".
Stewart, 25, pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual assault and two charges of indecent assault related to allegations made by a 17-year-old girl.
The girl alleged he cornered her, tongue-kissed her and digitally penetrated her against her wishes outside his north Manly townhouse complex on March 6, 2009.
Stewart counter-claimed that the girl, who had been outside the complex having a cigarette, made advances towards him when he arrived home in a taxi from the Sea Eagles' 2009 season launch.
During the trial more than 30 witnesses gave evidence. They included the girl, who is now aged 19 and cannot be named for legal reasons.
She admitted to having been diagnosed with a mental illness.
Her father, who has served multiple jail terms for dishonesty offences, gave evidence in support of his daughter's version of events.
In summarising the evidence for the jury on Wednesday, Judge Jonathan Williams said the father was "obviously a somewhat volatile man".
"One of the issues that has clouded this is the [testimony] of the father," Judge Williams said.
The jury heard evidence Stewart was drunk on the night and that earlier in the day he and friends were deemed to be intoxicated and were asked to leave a Manly hotel.
The court also heard glowing character references for Stewart from family, friends and people linked to the Manly club, including coach Des Hasler.
Stewart's long-term girlfriend Jaime Baker told the jury she could not imagine him having committed the offences.
- AAP
