The legal representative for former AFL star Nicky Winmar has informed a court in Victoria that his client was acting in self-defense during an incident in which he is accused of assaulting a woman.
Mr. Winmar is currently involved in a contested hearing at the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court regarding allegations stemming from an event that reportedly took place in May 2025.
The proceedings are ongoing.
In the courtroom, it was revealed that Neil Elvis “Nicky” Winmar is facing charges related to unlawful assault and intentionally causing injury, to which he has pleaded not guilty. These charges are connected to an alleged encounter from May of the previous year.
During yesterday’s testimony, the alleged victim expressed that she felt “fearful” for her life as Mr. Winmar allegedly slammed her head against a door, pulled her by her ponytail, and twisted her arm.
In today’s questioning, barrister Dermot Dann KC presented an alternative narrative, suggesting that the woman had “lost control” and initiated a physical confrontation with Mr. Winmar. He asserted, “He was trying to protect himself and fend off your punches,” and noted that one of her punches resulted in a cut on Mr. Winmar’s face, which was observed by law enforcement.
The woman firmly disputed this claim, stating, “No, that is not true. I did not.” Mr. Dann further implied that she had made multiple exaggerated allegations to the court to enhance the severity of the incident against Mr. Winmar.
In response, the woman explained that she had refrained from discussing some details with the police previously because revisiting those memories caused her pain.
A friend, who was contacted by the woman on the night of the incident, testified that the woman sounded “hysterical” and “incredibly upset” during their phone call. The friend mentioned that Mr. Winmar could be heard apologizing in the background.
During cross-examination, Mr. Dann challenged the credibility of the friend, who eventually acknowledged having provided misleading testimony in unrelated court proceedings. Magistrate Trieu Hunyh intervened during a tense exchange, advising the witness to “calm down a little bit.”
As the hearing progresses, additional witnesses are anticipated to provide their testimonies.
