New development in Sydney Swans sex assault investigation as source reveals detectives could access phones

Police investigating sexual assault claims involving star AFL players may try to examine the mobile phones of those inside the hotel room.

An experienced investigator revealed detectives could seek to access the players’ devices, telling the Herald Sun they could hold vital clues about what happened at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel in the early hours of August 17.

The source told the outlet that officers would be interested in any recordings made or text messages sent while three female adult entertainers were inside the room.

It is the latest development in the scandal that has rocked the AFL.

Reports of an incident first emerged the morning after Sydney Swans played against Essendon at the MCG on August 16.

It’s understood three women were paid to attend a hotel room where Riley Bice, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and James Jordon were partying.

Victoria Police confirmed the next day that they had received a report of an alleged sexual assault, with it later emerging that Isaac Heeney was the focus of the investigation.

The Sydney Swans then stood down the five players for breaching club standards by staying out late drinking and bringing women back to their hotel.

However, the club repeatedly stressed their sanctions are separate to the ongoing police investigation.

No player has been arrested or charged and this masthead is not suggesting any of the five suspended players have committed sexual assault or any criminal wrongdoing.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to The Nightly on Friday that detectives were still working to establish exactly what happened.

“Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad continue to investigate a report of a sexual assault in East Melbourne on 17 August,” they said.

“The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of the morning.

“The exact circumstances of the matter are still being established, and a number of people have been spoken to.

“As the investigation remains active and ongoing, we will not be commenting further including providing information on the specific circumstances of the matter, movements of detectives and any statements or interviews taken.

“Where there is information that it is appropriate and beneficial to release, then we will do so.”