NSW: Blocker assault charged blocked

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2000
NSW: Blocker assault charged blocked

By Dale Paget

TWEED HEADS, Dec 5 AAP - New South Wales police commissioner Peter Ryan has dropped
an assault charge against former rugby league international and television commentator
Steve "Blocker" Roach.

Stephen David Roach was charged over an alleged altercation with former Canterbury
full-back Peter O'Neill at South Tweed Heads Rugby League Club in October last year.

Mr O'Neill reportedly suffered rib and lung damage and spent a week in hospital.

In May this year Mr Roach's solicitor requested a delay in proceedings to make representations
to the police department to have the assault charge dropped based on the evidence.

In Tweed Heads court today, prosecutor Neville Mitchelson said Commissioner Ryan had
decided not to proceed with the charge and requested the matter be withdrawn.

No specific details of why the charge had been dropped were given in court.

Mr Roach, who was dismissed from his position with Channel 9's Footy Show five weeks
after the incident, did not appear.

AAP dp/jhm/mg/br

KEYWORD: ROACH

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