Common Assault & Intimidation Charges Withdrawn and Non-Conviction Recorded

Result: Conditional Release Order (CRO) without Conviction for 2 Years
The Facts
Our client, a 26-year-old professional working at a major retailer head office, had recently relocated to Sydney from Adelaide to pursue a promising career trajectory within the company. A young man with no prior criminal history, he found himself in a complex legal situation following an incident at Rhodes Foreshore Park in February 2025.

On the evening in question, our client had been socialising in the city and had consumed a few drinks before travelling to Rhodes to meet a friend. While waiting for his friend to arrive, he observed two teenagers (aged 14 and 15) sitting near the water watching Chinese dancers. Being in a social and intoxicated state, and misjudging the social cues and ages of the individuals who he believed to be older our client approached them.

The police alleged that our client grabbed one of the teenager’s arms to sit down next to them and engaged in “sassy” conversation, which included touching the teenager’s hand and rubbing his arm. During the conversation, our client showed the teenagers his Instagram account and invited them back to his apartment. When one of the teenagers disclosed his age as 15, our client allegedly replied that “age does not matter.”

The interaction ended when the teenagers distanced themselves. While the teenagers later provided video-recorded statements to the police expressing that the behaviour was contrary to their religious and cultural values, CCTV footage of the incident did not support all of the initial allegations. Specifically, the footage did not depict the physical intimacy alleged, and showed the teenagers remaining seated and chatting for a significant period rather than fleeing the scene. Our client was later arrested at his residence after police confirmed his identity through Instagram.

The Charges
Our client was charged with two serious offences:

Common Assault pursuant to Section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – Maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment.
Attempt to Stalk or Intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm pursuant to Section 13(5) of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW) – Maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment (in the Local Court).
Legal Strategy and Negotiations
Recognising the devastating impact a criminal conviction would have on our client’s professional career and his future in Sydney, Cassie Sten entered into intensive negotiations with the NSW Police Prosecutors.

Ms. Sten highlighted the inconsistencies between the initial police allegations and the objective CCTV evidence. She argued that our client’s actions, while socially inappropriate and influenced by alcohol, lacked the predatory intent suggested by the charges. She further emphasized the “cultural disconnect” and the client’s genuine though mistaken belief regarding the ages of the individuals involved.

Through these negotiations, Ms. Sten successfully persuaded the prosecution to withdraw the Common Assault charge in its entirety. Our client subsequently entered a plea of guilty to the remaining charge of “Attempted Stalk/Intimidate.”

During the sentencing hearing, Ms. Sten made persuasive submissions regarding our client’s exceptional subjective circumstances, including his lack of any prior criminal record, his strong employment history, and the significant remorse he felt for the unintended distress caused to the young victims.

The Outcome
The Presiding Judge was moved by the submissions and agreed that the incident was an isolated error of judgment by a young man of otherwise good character.

The Judge imposed a Conditional Release Order (CRO) without conviction for a period of 2 years. This was an outstanding result, as it meant no criminal conviction was recorded against our client, effectively protecting his employment at and ensuring his clean record remained intact.

Client Testimonial
“Cassie is one of the best lawyers in Sydney. She successfully negotiated to have the more serious charge withdrawn and achieved the best possible outcome for my circumstances. Throughout the entire process, I genuinely felt that she cared about my best interests and was committed to achieving the right result. She took the time to understand my position and defence, while providing clear, practical, and expert legal advice at every step.

Her professionalism, dedication, and support gave me confidence during what was a very stressful time. I am incredibly grateful for everything she did and cannot thank her enough. I would recommend Cassie to anyone seeking outstanding legal representation.”

— Client, Sydney

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, do not risk your future. Contact Cassie Sten at George Sten & Co for expert legal representation.