Indecent assault charges against Collingwood star Jordan De Goey have reportedly been withdrawn.
According toย Nine News'ย Eliza Rugg, charges relating to a 2015 incident involving the Magpies forward and friend Jake Edington at a Kew pub have been withdrawn.
BREAKING: indecent assault charges against Jordan De Goey (and friend Jake Edginton) have been withdrawn. Men were due to face a contested hearing today. De Goeyโs defence lawyer says itโs a โsuccessful outcomeโ and Vic Pol has been ordered to pay legal costs. @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/j7uiZyGKsJ
— Eliza Rugg (@Eliza_Rugg9) August 9, 2021
De Goey was set to face court on Monday after first being charged in July last year, with Police and the AFL having investigated the allegations since 2018.
Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic placed De Goey and Edington's court dates to this year, with Victoria Police now set to pay legal costs following the withdrawn charges.
Victoria Police have agreed to pay $15,000 in legal costs to De Goey. They'll have until November 9 to pay costs.
— Callum Godde (@calgodde) August 9, 2021
De Goey released a statement shortly after the update, expressing his pleasure to have come the matter come to a conclusion.
"The charge that I faced until today arose out of events that took place in June 2015," De Goey's statement says.
"Since that time I have cooperated with the AFL integrity investigation, the police investigation and the court process with respect to this matter.
"I have maintained my innocence from the outset.
"I am very pleased that the matter has now come to an end.
"Iโd like to thank my family, friends, teammates, sponsors, Collingwood Football Club and my lawyers, Tony Hargreaves and Dermot Dann QC, for all of their support throughout this process.
"At this time I would also like to indicate my respect to all parties associated with the prosecution of this charge and out of that respect I will not be making any further public comment on this matter."
Collingwood have also released a statement on Monday in regards to the withdrawn charges.
"Collingwood notes that the charge of indecent assault laid against Jordan De Goey in 2020 has today been withdrawn,"ย the statement reads.
"The club accepts that the matter has been investigated thoroughly and dealt with by the appropriate authorities.
"At all stages Collingwood has respected the legal process and the individuals involved.
"Collingwood will not be making any further comment."