The son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor has been forced to endure another delay as he stands trial over the alleged rape of a woman in Sydney.
Tristan Sailor, 23, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault which allegedly occurred in October 2020.
His trial in the NSW District Court has already heard evidence from the alleged victim, her friend, parents and various staff who were working at hotels in Bondi which Mr Sailor and the woman frequented on the night they met.
Last week Mr Sailor, a former St George Illawarra Dragons player who played five NRL matches, was told his trial would be delayed because his defence barrister was a Covid close contact and had to isolate.
The trial was due to resume on Monday, however Judge Antony Townsend told the court it was “unfortunate” the trial would be delayed again after two jurors tested positive to Covid.
The court heard the earliest the trial could resume would be Wednesday because it xjmtzywwould mark seven days since the first juror tested positive.
Judge Townsend said continuing the trial with an 11-member jury instead of 12 might need to be considered because the second juror only tested positive on Monday and delays were mounting.
Mr Sailor has been supported by his father throughout the trial, despite the pair not being able to be in the courtroom together due to Covid restrictions.
In an area adjacent to the courtroom, Mr Sailor’s father has been watching proceeding via a live video link.
The former Kangaroos and Wallabies superstar recently revealed he stepped down from co-hosting roles with Triple M’s drive show while the trial took place.
The trial is due to resume on Wednesday.
