Danushka Gunathilaka granted conditional bail after alleged sexual assault

Danushka Gunathilaka

After 11 days behind bars, Danushka Gunathilaka charged with four counts of sexual assault by a woman in Australia, was yesterday granted conditional bail following a hearing at Downing Centre Local Court.

As part of his bail conditions, Gunathilaka will be required to report daily to Eastwood police station, adhere to a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and surrender his passport. 

He is not permitted to use Tinder or any other dating app, and can only access social media in the presence of a legal representative.

On granting bail, Magistrate Janet Wahlquist said there was a “substantial incentive” for Gunathilaka to comply with his conditions.

The court heard a $ 200,000 surety was lodged in support of the cricketer’s release, including $ 50,000 of his own money, and $150,000 offered by a Melbourne woman.

“There is nothing that would indicate to me that he himself would further endanger the safety of the victim if he was granted bail,” said Wahlquist.

“The flight risk is quite clearly a real one ... if surety is offered ... that is a considerable amelioration of the risk of flight.”

Police prosecutor Kerry-Ann McKinnon opposed bail in court arguing Gunathilaka posed a serious flight risk.

She also told the court the alleged victim has been “hassled” online through social media.

“She has had to shut down all of her social media due to ongoing harassment,” McKinnon said.

“Her identity albeit suppressed, is known.”

Gunathilaka’s lawyers rejected the notion his client could flee the country, pointing to his sporting fame and media publication of the case.

The court heard he is being supported by the Sri Lankan Cricket Association and the Sri Lankan Government. 

The woman allegedly sexually assaulted by Gunathilaka has been the subject of “ongoing harassment” online, a Sydney court has heard.

Gunathilaka, 31, has been held in custody since his arrest in Sydney on 6 November.

He was charged with four counts of sexual assault following an investigation by Sex Crimes Squad detectives into allegations made by a woman.

The court has heard Gunathilaka and the woman had matched on a dating application on 29 October before agreeing to meet on 2 November. (Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-17/danushka-gunathilaka-granted-bail-alleged-sexual-assault/101663658)