Prominent sports journalist, Paul Kent, has declared he is in a “rugby league soap opera” after being charged with two domestic violence-related offences.
The 53-year-old NRL 360 host and Daily Telegraph writer pleaded not guilty to the charges, stating he was “embarrassed” but looking forward to the full story coming to light.
Kent appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, where he was granted bail. NSW Police have indicated that a third charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm is expected to be laid. There are also indications that a third charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm could be forthcoming.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that officers from Leichhardt Police Area Command responded to a distress call from Kent’s Lilyfield residence around 10:30 am on Friday. Upon arrival, police arrested both Kent and a 33-year-old woman, who was later released without charge. It is understood that the two individuals were known to each other.
Kent, who entered a not guilty plea at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, was granted bail. Outside the court, he spoke to reporters, expressing his embarrassment over the charges and his eagerness for the full story to be revealed.
Kent likened the situation to a “rugby league soap opera”, adding that it was his turn in the storyline. He also stated that his employers, the Daily Telegraph and Fox Sports, were supporting him fully during this difficult time.
Despite his optimism, News Corp has previously confirmed in a statement that Kent would be temporarily relieved of his duties at The Daily Telegraph and Fox Sports, pending the ongoing investigation. The statement read: “Paul Kent has been stood down from his duties with News Corp and Fox Sports while he deals with this personal matter.”
Additionally, Foxtel has reportedly pulled the back catalogue of NRL 360, a show Kent has been presenting since its inception in 2013. Social media posts surfaced on Tuesday showing an error message reading “This content is not available anymore” when users attempted to search for NRL 360 on Foxtel.
SOURCES: Nine News, MediaWeek and SMH
