Former rugby league star Jarryd Hynes thanks supporters after sexual assault chargers officially dropped in court

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has spoken publicly for the first time since his convictions for sexually assault were quashed. Hynes became emotional outside court, after the remaining charged against him were formally withdrawn.

Transcript

00:00Officially, a free man.

00:04Yeah, and obviously excited.

00:05Jarrod Hayne all smiles as he left court today after his remaining sexual assault charges were formally withdrawn.

00:13I stayed true to myself the whole time, the whole process, and today is a bit of vindication for myself and my family and my loved ones.

00:21It's been six years since the football star's life was turned upside down

00:25when he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her Newcastle home.

00:30After three trials, two guilty verdicts and two successful appeals,

00:35he was released on bail earlier this month after those convictions were quashed.

00:40He spent two years in total behind bars.

00:45It's been a rollercoaster.

00:48The boys on the inside that stood by me, my mates on the outside and everyone that stood shoulder to shoulder with me, I appreciate that.

00:56In court today, the Crown said it won't be pursuing Mr Hayne for a fourth trial and his bail conditions were discontinued.

01:04It brings to an end years of legal battles for the NRL star.

01:08I thank God for keeping me sane through this season, not only myself but my wife as well and all she had to go through.

01:14Justice may be slow, but it eventually arrives.

01:17The two-time Deleham winner's playing career ultimately ended when he was charged in 2018.

01:23Is there any chance you'll return to footy?

01:26I don't think so, no.

01:27At 36 years old, a comeback now looks unlikely.

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