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Sydney police have charged a Sri Lankan cricketer over the alleged sexual assault of a woman in the city's eastern suburbs.
Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested this morning after a 29-year-old woman from Rose Bay made a complaint to police.
It's alleged the 31-year-old international cricketer was communicating with the woman for several days via a dating app and through text, voice and video chats before they met up in person on Wednesday evening.
"The pair met up in Sydney at a pre-arranged meeting, they had drinks and went for something to eat before going back to the young lady's home," Sex Crimes Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty told reporters.
"Police will allege that whilst they're in the home the male assaulted the female a number of times whilst performing sexual acts upon her."
The alleged assault took place over a couple of hours, Doherty said.
The woman involved in the matter took a lot of steps to ensure that she was safe, Doherty said.
Police claim she communicated over a number of days before arranging to meet up, met up in a public place with other people around that were aware that she was there to meet someone for a date.
"It has nothing to do with meeting on a dating app," Doherty said.
Gunathilaka was arrested at a hotel on Sussex Street, in the CBD, where he has been staying, shortly before 1am this morning.
He was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
The Sri Lankan national was refused bail and is scheduled to appear at Waverley Court tomorrow.
It was the prosecution's intention to ask for bail to continue to be refused, Doherty said.
Doherty said sexual assault was a very serious offence.
"We have consent laws that commenced earlier this year that show that the judiciary realise how serious sexual violence is and that it should always be a person's choice as to whether or not they engage in a sexual act," she said.
"We know that it takes a lot of effort and it is very daunting for people to come forward and tell their stories.
"But that's how it starts."
Gunathilaka has been in Australia to play in the T20 World Cup.
Readers seeking support relating to sexual assault can contact 1800RESPECT(1800 737 732), 24 hours, 7 days a week, or online at www.1800respect.org.au.
Source: 9News
