Paul Kent, a well-known NRL personality and Fox Sports presenter, appeared in Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Tuesday to review his bail conditions related to an affray charge. The charge stems from an incident on April 27 around 11pm outside Totti's Rozelle, where Kent allegedly was involved in a physical altercation following a verbal argument. Video evidence of the incident circulated widely online.
During the court session, Kent's attorney announced plans to address the charge under the provisions of the NSW Mental Health Act, citing Kent's recent mental health and substance use treatments, including counseling and medical referrals to Burwood Hospital. The court agreed to a six-week adjournment for Kent to finalize his treatment plans and removed his bail reporting requirements.
Kent, aged 54, did not enter a plea at this stage and chose not to comment on a prosecutor's query about pleading guilty for a possible reduced sentence. His television and newspaper roles were suspended following the incident. This court appearance follows a period after Kent was acquitted of previous allegations involving assault against his then-partner. A 35-year-old man also allegedly involved in the April incident has been charged with affray and granted bail until his court appearance scheduled for June 7.