Split jury discharged in Daniels trial

Luke CostinAAP
Camera IconKyle Daniels faced a long trial over allegations he sexually touched nine female swim students. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

The jury in the sexual abuse retrial of Sydney swim coach Kyle James Henk Daniels has been discharged, unable to reach verdicts on 11 remaining charges.

It leaves the question of whether to put the 24-year-old on trial for a third time in the hands of prosecutors.

"It's quite a complicated matter," crown prosecutor Tony McCarthy told the District Court.

Daniels, who denies intentionally touching any student inappropriately during lessons in 2018 and 2019, had been acquitted of 10 sexual abuse charges, including five alleging sexual assault.

One of those not guilty verdicts was delivered on Monday morning by a 10-1 verdict.

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But, saying it had applied all efforts and judicial directions to persevere, the 11-person jury remained split on 11 sexual touching and indecent assault charges.

"We remain divided on all remaining counts," jurors said in a note.

Judge Kara Shead, the Crown and Daniels' barrister Les Nicholls all agreed the only option was dismissing the jury, particularly considering the numerous directions to keep trying to reach a verdict.

"I think it's the fifth time, so regrettably I would agree with the Crown," Mr Nicholls said

Judge Shead said: "The jury have been given every opportunity to (reach verdict) including one over the weekend to have individual calm considerations."

Daniels had faced a weeks-long trial over allegations he sexually touched nine female students during swimming lessons in 2018 and 2019.

The girls were aged six to 10 years old.

The Crown said the significant commonality between the girls' accounts showed the alleged events were no coincidence, claiming the swim coach took the opportunity to act on a sexual attraction to girls during lessons.

But Daniels' lawyer argued that if any touching occurred, it was fleeting, accidental or inadvertent and said police officers, the media and parents had contaminated the girl's memories and evidence.

The now-24-year-old was arrested in early 2019 after two girls' families raised concerns.

His arrest then prompted further girls to come forward.

Daniels was acquitted last week of five counts of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 and four sexual touching charges.

Some were alternative counts to more serious charges.

The decision on whether to proceed with a third trial will be made on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions or her deputies.

The matter will return to court in four weeks, when prosecutors are expected to announce what that advice is.

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