Brett Stewart to stand trial for sexual assault

NRL star Brett Stewart has been committed to stand trial over the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old neighbour.

A magistrate in the Downing Centre Local Court found today that there was enough evidence in the case for a jury to decide Stewart’s guilt or innocence.

Asked by the magistrate if he wanted to say anything in his defence, Stewart replied: "I have nothing to say in my defence."

The matter will be heard again in the NSW District Court on April 9.

The girl's father, who claims she was sexually assaulted by Stewart, has denied lying about the allegations.

Under cross-examination during the committal hearing today, the man said his 17-year-old daughter had come home and told him a man had "touched" her.

When he confronted Stewart, the Manly fullback said: "I didn't touch her, bro ... I live here, bro."

The man admitted to the court he had convictions for fraud dating between 1995 and 2001 for which he served three years' jail, but said it had nothing to do with the allegations against Stewart.

"That is who I was then. That's not who I am now," he said. "That's got nothing to do with what happened to [my daughter] or what your client did to [her]."

The man told the court he has changed his name because he and his family had "lived in hell" since the alleged incident with Stewart occurred.

The man said that, during the confrontation with Stewart, the player's girlfriend Jaime Baker had emerged from his house and said "not again" while pointing to his trousers and his belt, which was undone.

"That little bit that you have just added, that's a pack of lies isn't it?" Stewart's counsel, Clive Steirn, SC, asked.

"I'm not here to lie," the man replied.

Stewart arrived at court hobbling on crutches following a knee injury during Manly's first-round match against Wests Tigers.

- © Fairfax NZ News