Jack de Belin’s family harshly criticized the police who investigated the case against the football star and are glad that action has already been taken against an officer involved.
A former police officer has been charged with perjury following an extensive investigation into the De Belin sexual assault case heard in the Wollongong District Court in February 2020.
Wollongong police officer Senior Detective Shawn Adams was charged over evidence he provided during De Belin’s sexual assault trial.
The Wollongong trial ended with a hung jury, and in a second trial in Sydney, a jury found both De Belin and co-accused Callan Sinclair not guilty of one count of sexual assault against a woman.
Jack de Belin’s parents and sister have expressed their anger at the police and the media.
Jack de Belin was dropped from his NRL club, St George Illawarra, during the course of his two court cases.
De Belin was found not guilty of a charge of sexual assault in a Sydney court after a hung jury failed to reach a verdict in Wollongong’s first court case.
“We believe this is a step in the right direction for Jack’s full vindication,” Cathy, David and their sister Erica de Belin wrote in a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We now have hope that those responsible will finally be held accountable… and will continue to be held accountable.”
The court case took its toll on the family, but they are glad action is being taken.
“Of course, we are disappointed and upset at the three years that were taken from Jack and our family during the entire process,” they wrote.
“It was an incredibly upsetting and stressful time for us, but we are a very close-knit family and we got through it together. We are so proud of Jack. He has a beautiful wife and children, for which he is incredibly grateful.
‘Our family remains as close as ever, as does the support network of our extended family, friends and community.
‘Now there must be consequences and repercussions for your actions. We, as parents, will continue to defend our children and their right to justice.’
Sinclair’s parents, Terry and Gai, also wrote to the Herald with their opinions on the matter.
The De Belin family has spoken of the toll the investigation has taken on the family
“Our family welcomes the news that former Senior Detective Shawn Adams has been charged with perjury,” they wrote.
‘We are relieved that some of what we have carried with us for several years has now come to light.
“We are hopeful that the charges against the former officer will move forward to trial and the defendant will face the full force of the justice system.”