AFL Icon Nicky Winmar Convicted on Assault Charges Following Bendigo Court Hearing
Former Australian Rules Football legend Neil Elvis “Nicky” Winmar has been found guilty of assaulting a woman in northern Victoria last year, a magistrate ruled today. The victim, whose identity is legally protected, testified in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court in May, expressing profound fear for her life during the incident which occurred in May 2025 in Cohuna.
Details of the Verdict and Allegations
The prosecution outlined to the court how Winmar allegedly grabbed and twisted the woman's arm, dragged her by her hair, and repeatedly struck her head against a wooden door. Despite pleading not guilty to charges, including assault and intentionally causing injury, Magistrate Trieu Huynh delivered a verdict of guilty on three counts of unlawful assault and common law assault.
However, Magistrate Huynh acquitted Winmar of a fourth charge, intentionally causing injury, citing insufficient evidence to prove the woman required medical treatment for that specific charge. He stated he was not satisfied the prosecution had met the burden of proof for the more severe injury charge.
Magistrate's Reasoning and Credibility
In his findings, Magistrate Huynh affirmed the woman's narrative of the events that transpired, noting her consistency on key evidentiary points, which were further substantiated by photographic evidence. “I do not dismiss inconsistencies in her evidence. With the benefit of observing her give evidence … [the woman] presents as credible witness,” the Magistrate remarked.
Under rigorous cross-examination from Winmar’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, the woman maintained her account “steadfast”, denying any fabrication to exaggerate the incident’s severity against Winmar.
Defence Arguments and Police Investigation Questions
During the three-day contested hearing in May, prosecutor Annina Tropea presented photographic evidence of bruising and swelling on the woman's arm, which she asserted were consistent with the victim’s testimony. Ms. Tropea described the woman as “an honest, reliable and credible witness.” An emotional Triple Zero (000) call made by the woman on the night, where she stated she was hiding and had been struck, was also played to the court.
Conversely, Mr. Dann KC contended that the alleged assault did not occur as described, arguing that Winmar’s contact with the woman’s arm was an act of self-defence. He suggested Winmar was attempting to “fend off” punches from the woman, claiming one strike caused a cut to his client's face that was observed by police. The woman explicitly denied this claim in court.
Mr. Dann also scrutinised the police investigation, highlighting their failure to contact a witness Winmar allegedly spoke to via phone during the incident. “The prosecution case paints Mr Winmar as raving, screaming, spitting, out of control. Yet within the body of the incident there's said to be a 20-minute phone call with another person. Surely that person had relevant information to give,” he argued. Magistrate Huynh acknowledged that police could have pursued further investigative avenues, such as interviewing this witness or seeking other potential observers.
The hearing included testimony from the complainant, two responding police officers, and a friend of the woman.
Next Steps: Sentencing and Winmar's Legacy
The case is scheduled to return to court in August for a pre-sentence hearing. Mr. Dann KC informed the court he intends to advocate for a community corrections order as a sentencing outcome. Winmar offered no comment to reporters as he departed the court this afternoon.
Nicky Winmar, an esteemed inductee into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, is celebrated for his distinguished career, most notably with St Kilda. He is widely recognised for his iconic anti-racism gesture during a 1993 game, where he lifted his shirt and pointed to his skin in defiance of racial abuse from the crowd. This powerful moment is now memorialised with a bronze statue at Perth Stadium, symbolising a pivotal stand against discrimination.