Cricket News
Danushka Gunathilaka attempted to choke the victim as she ‘feared her life’ – Police Reports
Danushka Gunathilaka was apprehended early Sunday morning at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.
A Sydney woman claims her Tinder date with Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka turned into a nightmare in which she feared for her life. The unidentified woman was allegedly sexually assaulted four times in her Rose Bay home on November 2 after going out for drinks and pizza with the international sports player.
Gunathilaka was apprehended early Sunday morning at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, where he was staying while the Sri Lankan cricket team was in Australia for the 20-20 World Cup. He is being charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and has yet to enter a plea.
According to an NSW police facts sheet filed with Downing Centre Local Court, the couple met on Tinder and then had several video calls via WhatsApp before meeting in person on November 2. On the ferry home, the woman claims Gunathilaka kissed her. The cricketer allegedly refused to wear a condom and choked the woman three times after they arrived at her house.
“The complainant tried to remove the accused’s hand by grabbing his wrist but the accused squeezed tighter around her neck. The complainant was fearing for her life and could not get away from the accused,” the police fact sheet says.
According to the court documents, she also gagged and couldn’t breathe during an attempt at oral sex. “She continually tried to pull away from the accused, a clear indication that she was not consenting,” said the documents.
Danushka Gunathilaka denies being violent
In a police interview following his arrest, Gunathilaka confirmed some of the alleged victim’s story but denied being violent or not giving consent. Prosecutors claim the victim did not consent to sex without a condom or to any of the other sexual acts.
With Gunathilaka having no ties to Australia, still living with his parents, and earning $US12,000 ($A18,500) per month for playing for the Sri Lankan cricket team, police believe he will flee the country if released.
On Monday, magistrate Robert Williams denied the sports star’s bail application while he was being held at Surry Hills Police Station. Sri Lanka Cricket announced its own investigation, stating that if Gunathilaka is found guilty in Australia, he will face punishment. The case will be heard again in court on January 12.
