Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne’s “terrible” sexual prowess accidentally caused the injuries that led a woman to accuse him of sexual assault, his attorney told a jury.
Former Parramatta full-back is on trial in Newcastle District Court fighting allegations he forced himself on the then 26-year-old woman after agreeing to go to her house on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final.
The court heard the woman sustained two genital injuries when 32-year-old Hayne allegedly took off her pants and began digital and oral sex while a taxi was waiting outside her home on the outskirts of Newcastle.
Mr Hayne was in town for a goat party and hooked up with her on September 30, 2018 after exchanging a number of flirtatious messages on social media in the weeks prior.
He claims the sex was consensual and the woman’s injuries were caused by his finger.
On the eighth day of his trial, Mr. Hayne’s attorney Phillip Boulten SC told the court that the former NSW gamer had no intention of harming the woman.
“He was trying to please her sexually. But it ended really badly, ”he said in his closing speech.
“It caused her a lot of pain, discomfort, and grief. And to be honest, his sexual prowess turned out to be terrible. “
Mr. Boulten said it wasn’t a “big step” for the woman to later recall the encounter with Mr. Hayne as “angry,” “loveless,” or powerful, given the injuries she suffered.
“It was bad sex,” he said.
Mr Boulten said it was unlikely that the woman would have complained about sexual assault without the presence of blood.
“(She) was very upset about her injuries. And that’s why we’re all here. “
He urged the jury to treat Mr. Hayne “the same as someone who is not famous … please don’t treat him any other way because he’s a very good footballer”.
Prosecutor Brian Costello told the jury on Wednesday that the woman’s “significant” injuries and bleeding had provided a “vivid picture” of gross sexual assault.
He said Mr. Hayne believed he was “promised” sex on the explicit Instagram and Snapchat messages and “simply ignored” whether she would consent.
In summing up, Judge Peter Whitford SC on Thursday urged the jury to put aside all sympathy for Mr. Hayne and the woman.
“You must determine these matters in a rational and calm manner in relation to the evidence,” he said.
The jury will retire on Thursday to reflect on their verdict.
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