Central Coast Mariners’ star striker Angel Torres has faced court for the first time since being charged with rape.
The 24-year-old appeared at Gosford Local Court in New South Wales on Monday after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman on March 24.
He was arrested at a property in Terrigal before being charged with two counts of common assault, intimidation and aggravated sexual intercourse without consent.
Torres was granted bail on the charges, the most serious of which carries a maximum 20-year jail term.
The A-League player did not speak during the brief appearance and did not indicate how he would plead when questioned outside court.
Hours before Torres’ court appearance, Central Coast became the first Australian club to win the AFC Cup after a dramatic triumph over Lebanon’s Al-Ahed in Oman.
“I’m so happy for them,” Torres said outside court.
Torres joined the Mariners at the start of the A-League Men season and has netted 13 goals across 23 games.
The Colombian was stood down following his arrest.
“Given the alleged serious criminal offences with which Torres has been charged, Football Australia immediately imposed a no-fault suspension,” the club said in an earlier statement.
“The suspension is a precautionary measure that suspends the player from participating in football and club-related activities.
“It is important to note that Football Australia in imposing this interim suspension is making no finding of guilt or fault in respect of the offences with which Torres has been charged.”
The matter will return to court on July 5.
National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
