Vic: Woman wants apology from AFL player over alleged slap

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2006
Vic: Woman wants apology from AFL player over alleged slap

By Mariza Fiamengo

MELBOURNE, Aug 3 AAP - A woman who alleges she was slapped on the face by an AFL footballer
wants him to apologise over the incident, a Melbourne court heard today.

Carlton midfielder Heath Scotland, 25, is accused of slapping the woman after a verbal
altercation at The Next Blue nightclub in the Crown Casino complex on May 1 last year.

Scotland, who is charged with recklessly causing injury, was not at the Melbourne Magistrates'
Court for today's hearing.

Police prosecutor, Leading Senior Constable Cameron Cunningham, told the court that
the victim would be satisfied with an apology from Scotland.

"It appears that is what the victim is after more than anything," he said.

He said that after discussions with Scotland's lawyer, it was agreed that dealing with
the matter as part of a diversion program for lesser offences would be appropriate.

"It (the incident) is now seen as slightly minor as far as assault goes," Leading Sen
Const Cunningham said.

The diversion program can involve some community work or a letter of apology to the victim.

The program covers lesser crimes and is designed for first-time offenders who are willing
to plead guilty.

The court heard a verbal altercation between Scotland, of Thornbury, and the woman
began inside the nightclub sometime between 1.30am and 2.30am.

Police allege Scotland flicked his drink at the victim. When she attempted to push
him away, he struck the right side of her face with the back of his hand, the court was
told.

Scotland's lawyer Bernie Balmer previously told the court his client, who has not entered
a plea yet, disputed the police's version of events.

Today, he told the court his client met the woman in the male toilet in the venue that
night and there was a history between them.

"My client certainly wants to get this matter out of his life," he said.

He told the court he advised his client not to attend today because of the media.

Outside the court, Mr Balmer said the footballer had met the woman briefly previous
to the nightclub incident.

When asked if Scotland was prepared to apologise he replied: "Maybe, it depends on
whether it is a matter appropriate for diversion.

"It's still got to be considered and accepted and its not cast in stone yet," he said.

Magistrate Ian Gray adjourned the matter until September 18 to assess its suitability
for a diversion program.

AAP mf/gfr/jlw

KEYWORD: SCOTLAND

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