AdminA former NRL player was acquitted of rape but subsequently admitted to a separate sexual offense, described as “creepy” by the judge, during sentencing proceedings. The judge’s comment regarding the admitted offense, which was not the original charge, highlights the severity of the behavior. The case underscores the complexities of legal proceedings and the potential disparity between charges and admitted conduct.
The former NRL player was initially charged with rape, a serious sexual offense. However, the jury found him not guilty of this specific charge. This outcome demonstrates the importance of the jury’s role in determining guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.
Following the not guilty verdict on the rape charge, the sentencing hearing for the separate, admitted sexual offense took place. It was during this hearing that the judge made the “creepy” comment, emphasizing the nature of the admitted offense. The specific details of the offense were not provided in the user’s prompt, but the judge’s description indicates it was a serious matter.
This case illustrates the legal concept of “plea bargaining” where defendants may admit to lesser charges to avoid potentially harsher penalties for more serious offenses. It is a common legal strategy that can result in a defendant admitting guilt to a lesser charge even when acquitted of a more serious charge.
1. Background & Court Focus
Teui “TC” Robati (born November 14, 2001 in Porirua, NZ) is a former Brisbane Broncos back-rower who debuted in 2021 and played 17 NRL first-grade games before being stood down in early 2023 amid legal troubles—first for dangerous driving, then for sexual assault-related offences zerotackle.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15brisbanetimes.com.au+15.
Two separate incidents from December 2022 led to criminal charges:
- December 11, 2022 – Robati allegedly lured a woman into a disabled toilet at The Prince Consort Hotel, Fortitude Valley (Brisbane), promised things like free drinks or “cocaine,” and allegedly forced her to perform oral sex. The 24‑year‑old claimed she felt “pressured, intimidated and scared”—with CCTV and testimony showing her distress zerotackle.com+12news.com.au+12news.com.au+12.
- December 21, 2022 – A separate incident at a Brisbane bar where Robati groped a 21‑year‑old woman’s breast. Queensland Maroons captain Patrick Carrigan intervened mid-act, stopping the assault zerotackle.com+2theqldr.com.au+2brisbanetimes.com.au+2.
2. Rape Trial & Acquittal
Robati pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape. The Brisbane District Court trial in June 2025 lasted about a day and a half. Crown Prosecutor Isabelle MacNicol argued:
- He coerced sex in a small toilet cubicle.
- The woman expressed non-consent, froze, gagged, and looked distressed.
- She didn’t leave immediately and told friends what happened reddit.com+15news.com.au+157news.com.au+15theqldr.com.au.
Defense counsel argued:
- No direct evidence of physical force—no evidence he restrained her.
- Robati believed there was consent, invoking the legal principle of “mistake of fact” (honest and reasonable belief in consent) standard.net.au+7theqldr.com.au+7news.com.au+7au.headtopics.com+4news.com.au+4theqldr.com.au+4.
A jury of 7 women and 5 men deliberated for around nine hours and returned a not guilty verdict on both counts news.com.au+1theqldr.com.au+1.
3. Guilty Plea to Indecent Assault
Immediately after the rape verdict, Robati pleaded guilty to indecent assault (groping) from the December 21 incident. Details included:
- He was seen touching a woman’s breast at a bar.
- Carrigan stepped in to stop him au.headtopics.com+5theqldr.com.au+5brisbanetimes.com.au+5.
- Judge Everson described the behavior as “brazen,” “reprehensible,” and “quite frankly creepy,” noting it reflected a “disrespectful attitude toward women” au.headtopics.com+2theqldr.com.au+2dailytelegraph.co.nz+2.
4. Sentencing & Mitigation
Robati received a two-year probation order, without a recorded conviction:
- The judge emphasized condemnation of the conduct but chose rehabilitation over further punishment.
- In mitigation, Robati’s youth, lack of prior convictions, challenging upbringing, sudden fame, and remorse were noted standard.net.au+15theqldr.com.au+15zerotackle.com+15.
5. Career Fallout & Future Prospects
- Brisbane Broncos terminated his contract in February 2023 following the incidents and legal proceedings reddit.com+11theqldr.com.au+11news.com.au+11.
- Robati has worked in non-sport roles (road construction, food packaging) and expressed hope of returning to professional rugby league theqldr.com.au+1dailytelegraph.co.nz+1. His defense team said he’s in contact with a Sydney-based NRL club about a potential comeback reddit.com+3theqldr.com.au+3zerotackle.com+3.
- Legally, with no recorded conviction and probation complete, he is permitted to seek reinstatement.
6. Legal & Social Analysis
- Consent law in Australia
Robati’s acquittal highlights the impact of the “mistake‑of‑fact” defence: if a jury believes the accused genuinely—and reasonably—thought there was consent, charges fail theqldr.com.auzerotackle.com+14theqldr.com.au+14au.headtopics.com+14. - Non-conviction sentencing
The court’s choice not to record a conviction reflects judicial discretion when balancing societal condemnation and potential for rehabilitation, especially for young offenders. - Athlete behavior & accountability
The intervention by Patrick Carrigan and the public scrutiny around these incidents have triggered broader discussion around conduct expectations and organizational culture in professional sports. - Reputation & sponsorship
Even absent conviction for rape, Robati’s admission and legal description of his conduct may impact public sentiment, affect sponsorships, and influence whether clubs consider him.
7. Summary Table
| Charge | Date | Outcome | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rape (2 counts) | Dec 11, 2022 | Not guilty | Jury acquittal after 9 hrs deliberation |
| Indecent assault (groping) | Dec 21, 2022 | Guilty plea | 2 years probation, no conviction |
8. What’s Next?
- Probation compliance – Robati must follow supervision conditions for two years.
- Career rehabilitation – Interest from at least one Sydney NRL club; future depends on performance and public acceptance.
- Public accountability – His reintegration will test how second chances are handled in public life, especially for high-profile athletes.
🧩 In Conclusion
Teui “TC” Robati was acquitted of rape under a reasonable-belief defence, but admitted to and was punished for indecent assault. His probation sentence, lack of conviction, and potential NRL interest position him at a crossroads—balancing public trust, personal reform, and his hope of a professional return.
Admin
