Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been cleared of sexual harassment. In fact, a Sydney court acquitted Gunathilaka of sexual harassment charges. Sydney police have arrested 33-year-old Danushka Gunathilaka for sexual assault. Danushka was acquitted and released by Downing Center District Court on Thursday. Now the left-hand batter can return to Sri Lanka.
What did judge say in his decision?
In his ruling, the Downing Center District Court judge stated that based on all the evidence and witnesses, the accused was acquitted of all charges and now the accused can return home. In his ruling, the judge said the evidence showed the defendant had no way to remove the condom during sex because he was in continuous intercourse.
Case details
The judge further said that the accused also cooperated during the police interrogation and answered every question that tried to prove the truth in every matter. Gunathilaka was arrested by the Sydney Police during the T20 World Cup last year. A woman accused him of having physical relations without her consent. In the case, Gunathilaka was charged with four counts, but only sexual harassment went to court. Gunathilaka pleaded not guilty from the beginning. Gunathilaka said he was deceived.
However, he was accused of “stealthing”, that is, removing the condom during sex without consent.
Media reports quoted Judge Sarah Huggett as saying, based on the available evidence, Gunathilaka had no opportunity to remove the condom because “coitus was in progress.”
What Gunathilaka says after judgement
After being found guilty in a sex crime case, Gunathilaka thanked everyone who stood by him during his difficult time.
Here is what he told reporters outside court:
“I think the judge’s verdict says everything. I just want to thank people who helped me during this sad time, and the last 11 months have been really hard for me.”
