Danushka Gunathilaka granted bail in alleged Sexual Assault case

Sri Lanka batter Danushka Gunathilaka has been granted bail while awaiting trial on charges of sexual intercourse without consent. Moreover, the Lanka batter is also banned from using his social media accounts. Gunathilaka was arrested from the team's hotel and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse with no consent while on national duty during the T20 World Cup 2022.

Also Read: Sri Lankan cricket board suspends Danushka Gunathilaka from all forms of cricket

Gunathilaka is facing four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and has not yet given a plea. The case will return to court on January 12.

"Magistrate Janet Wahlquist granted Gunathilaka bail on Thursday in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court, where he appeared via an audiovisual link from Parklea jail. Police prosecutor Kerry-Ann McKinnon opposed bail on the grounds Gunathilaka is a flight risk and that he could endanger the safety of the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons."

Thangaraj was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo

"Of course he would be on bail in these circumstances," Thangaraj added.

"The complainant tried to remove the accused's hand by grabbing his wrist but the accused squeezed tighter around her neck. The complainant was fearing for her life and could not get away from the accused," A police facts sheet filed with the court was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo

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Gunathilaka has been a part of SL's white-ball set-up since 2017. Meanwhile, he has represented the nation in 47 ODIs, 46 T20Is, and eight Tests.

Gunathilaka was ruled out of the T20 World Cup on October 19 due to a hamstring injury but was with the squad as a "standby" when the incident allegedly occurred. Sri Lanka Cricket suspended the all-rounder from all forms of the game after his misdemeanor came to light.