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6 months ago
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The family of Jack de Belin have blasted the police who investigated the case against the footy star, and are happy that action is already being taken against an officer involved.
A former police officer was charged with perjury following an extensive investigation into de Belin's sexual assault case heard in the Wollongong District Court in February 2020.
The Wollongong cop, Detective Senior Constable Shawn Adams, was charged over evidence he gave during de Belin's sexual assault court proceedings.
The Wollongong trial ended in a hung jury, and at 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 media.
Jack de Belin was stood down by his NRL club St. George Illawarra during the course of his two court cases
De Belin was found not guilty of one count of sexual assault in a Sydney court after a hung jury could not reach a verdict in the first court case in Wollongong
'We feel like this is a step in the right direction for the complete vindication of Jack,' wrote Cathy, David and sister Erica de Belin in a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald.
'We are now hopeful that those responsible are finally being held accountable ... and will continue to be held accountable.'
The court case took an incredible toll on the family, but they are happy that action is being taken.
'We are of course disappointed and upset about the three years that were taken from Jack and our family throughout the process,' they wrote.
'It was an incredibly upsetting and stressful time for us, but we are a very close 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.
'There must now be consequences and repercussions for their actions. We as parents will continue to advocate for our children, and their right for justice.'
Sinclair's parents, Terry and Gai, have also written to to the Herald with their thoughts about the matter.
De Belin's family have spoken of the toll the investigation took on the family
'Our family welcomes the news that former senior detective Shawn Adams has been charged with perjury,' they wrote.
'We feel relieved that some of what we have carried with us for several years has now come to light in the public domain.
'It is our hope that the charges against the former officer will proceed to trial and the accused will face the full force of the justice system.'
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