Danushka Gunathilaka Found Not Guilty Of Sexual Assault Charges In Australian Court

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been cleared of allegations concerning sexual assault during an encounter with a Tinder date. Judge Sarah Huggett announced the verdict in Gunathilaka’s case at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court on Thursday.

Danushka Gunathilaka faced accusations of sexual assault in Sydney during the T20 World Cup 2022. He was arrested at Sri Lanka’s team hotel but did not play any games in the event. He met with a 29-year-old woman on the dating app Tinder at Sydney’s Opera Bar.

Danushka Gunathilaka Found Not Guilty

Judge Sarah Huggett acquitted Danushka Gunathilaka of sexual assault charges, stating that the alleged victim’s testimony was unreliable and motivated by a desire to portray the cricketer negatively.

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“The evidence establishes that there was no opportunity for the accused to remove the condom during intercourse because that intercourse was continuous,” the judge said in handing down the verdict.

“I find that the evidence regarding the complaint far from supports the complainant. Rather it undermines the reliability of her evidence,” she said.

Gunathilaka and the woman, who connected on a dating app, met for drinks at Opera Bar and had pizza in the Sydney CBD. She accused him of aggressive acts, including slapping her, forcefully kissing her, causing lip bruising, and choking her during sexual activity.

Police charged Gunathilaka with four offences, leading to his arrest at the Hyatt Regency. Subsequently, three charges were dropped by prosecutors. He consistently asserted his innocence and pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket suspended Danushka Gunathilaka, who has featured in all three formats, from participating in any cricket matches. The left-handed batsman, who made his international debut in 2015, has played eight Tests, 47 ODIs, and 46 T20Is for Sri Lanka.

Also read: Sri Lankan Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka Requests Trial Without Jury In Sydney Rape Case