Domestic violence charges against former Penrith winger Taylan May have been withdrawn.
May had been charged with punching a woman in the face during an altercation at a home in Sydney’s west last April.
Penrith Panthers player Taylan May arrives at the Penrith Local Court.Credit: AAPIMAGE
The 23-year-old faced charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm, as well as two counts of contravening an AVO. May pleaded not guilty and has always maintained his innocence.
The NRL stood down May, who hasn’t played since the incident became public just before Magic Round, under its no-fault stand-down policy. The governing body is likely to consider its stance after reviewing the particulars of the court case.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivities of the matter said that several NRL clubs were considering whether to make a play for May.
The hearing was scheduled for Penrith Local Court on Monday, where Magistrate Stephen Corry adjourned the matter briefly to allow the alleged victim time to arrive at court. However, the matter has now been concluded after all charges were withdrawn.
May was considered one of the most promising outside backs in the NRL before the incident. The Samoan international had scored 17 tries in 30 games for the Panthers.
He has two football-playing siblings; prop forward Terrell May made his Wests Tigers debut on the weekend after being released by the Roosters, while the Panthers sacked Tyrone May for a post-grand final social media post in 2021, which was interpreted as him being vindicated following a sex-tape scandal that embroiled the club.
More to come
