Aussie Diamonds netball star appears in court after nightclub assault
A netball star has admitted to kicking a security guard in the back on a night out but escaped conviction.
Sarah Klau, from the Australian Diamonds, fronted Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday for the assault.
It was alleged the security guard denied Klau, 31, entry to a venue earlier this year after deeming her too intoxicated, Fox Sports reported.
Klau was accused of lashing out and kicking the guard’s lower back before running into another nearby venue, where staff were alerted to her alleged assault.
Klau pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault.
The magistrate on Thursday ruled against adding the conviction to Klau’s record after describing the incident as a ‘terrible setback’.
‘The gentleman involved was just doing his job,’ the judge said.
‘It’s always such a shame to see fabulous sports men and women compromise themselves, really, on nights out.
Sarah Klau plays for the Swifts and the Diamonds
She pleaded guilty to common assault on Thursday after kicking a security guard in the lower back on a night out
‘In any event, alcohol and violence tend to be a great leveller, it doesn’t matter who you are.’
NSW Swifts confirmed Klau’s court appearance in a statement.
‘Netball NSW takes the behavioural standards of its athletes and staff seriously,’ it said.
‘Sarah has been an exemplary role model in the NSW Swifts environment for 10 years and the Club will continue to provide her with support.’
Netball Australia said it will investigate Klau’s actions.
It is unclear if Diamonds officials were aware of the allegations against her before she went to Glasgow to compete at the Commonwealth Games last month.
‘Netball Australia has been informed of a matter before the Local Court that involves Sarah Klau,’ Netball Australia said.
‘This is a difficult moment for Sarah and she has expressed significant remorse and regret for the incident. We are also supporting Sarah with wellbeing services.
‘Now that the court process has concluded, Netball Australia will complete its investigation into the matter in line with its integrity framework.
‘We are unable to provide additional comment until that process is finalised.’
