Former NRL star Chris Sandow has been refused bail after being charged with assaulting police.
Sandow, who played 159 NRL games for the Rabbitohs and Eels between 2008 and 2015, has been in custody for the past fortnight and had his bail application denied for a second time on Monday.
The 33-year-old has been charged with serious assault of a police officer causing bodily harm, serious assault of a police officer or person acting in aid of police officer, two counts of obstructing police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of driving without a licence, and evasion – according to The Courier Mail.
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Sandow was arrested after allegedly assaulting police at his Ipswich home in late August. It followed a string of alleged offences that took place in July and August.
Defence lawyer Patrick O’Donnell reportedly applied for bail on the grounds that Sandow needed medical attention to treat potential concussion issues stemming from his NRL career.
“He’s an exceptionally talented footballer … he had a distinguished career,” O’Donnell said.
“He is concerned that with the head knocks he’s had from football over the years, that he could have some problems now … He instructs that he wants to go as soon as possible to speak to a neurosurgeon.”
Acting Magistrate Rob Turra responded “that may be the case, but how do you draw a connection between that and the offending behaviour?”
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Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Caldwell said “none of what my friend has raised, with respect, addresses the underlying issue of why he was refused bail in the first place”.
“There’s nothing that’s changed between then and now … it’s just attempting to have another crack at bail.”
Turra noted Sandow had written a letter saying he wanted to re-engage in his culture, give back to the community and be a role model for children.
But he determined “none of (O’Donnell’s arguments) are sufficient for me to find there’s a material change in circumstances”.
Sandow was remanded in custody, and is scheduled to appear for mention on October 4.
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