NSW: Sharks league star faces assault charge=2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2008
NSW: Sharks league star faces assault charge=2

EDS: Note language in seventh par



The AVO requires that Bird not make contact with Ms Milligan, and not damage or destroy
any of her personal property.

Prosecutor Matt Zalunardo told the court Bird had lied to police by alleging other
people were in the apartment at the time of the incident about 7.30am (AEST) yesterday.

"The accused person ... is actively trying to deceive police by inferring other people
were involved in the matter," Acting Sergeant Zalunardo said.

He said it appeared Bird was trying to "pin the offence" on someone else.

Sgt Zalunardo said a neighbour who recognised Bird's voice noted no other male voice
in the unit at the time.

He also said a neighbour looked in Bird's unit and saw that it was vacant after Bird
and Ms Milligan left for the hospital.

Police allege that as the pair left the apartment block, Bird told Ms Milligan to "stop
being a f..king idiot".

Ms Milligan allegedly responded: "Why did you do this to me?"

The court was told that when Bird replied "I didn't do it", she responded: "Yes, you did".

Bird's lawyer Les Nicholls challenged the police facts, saying their informant was
not in court and the alleged victim had yet to give a statement.

"The facts that are before Your Honour are circumstantial," Mr Nicholls said.

He told the court he was twice refused access to the hand-written notes of police who
attended the alleged incident, and added Bird was not a flight risk and had ties to the
community.

"If there is any breach of bail, he could be spending a long time in custody," Ms Schurr said.

The matter was adjourned for mention in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on October 8.

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KEYWORD: BIRD COURT 2 SYDNEY

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