Trial begins for former A-League player Angel Torres

The trial of former Central Coast Mariners player Angel Torres is currently underway. He is facing multiple charges, including sexual assault, but he has pleaded not guilty. The charges stem from an incident that occurred in March 2024. Crown prosecutor Andrew Lynch explained to the jury that Torres met a 21-year-old woman at a nightclub in Terrigal. He initially used Instagram to show her that he was a professional football player. The woman eventually agreed to go home with him, but she later texted a friend feeling uneasy about her decision. During the encounter, the court heard that Torres removed the woman's belt and made her feel uncomfortable as she tried to leave. It is alleged that when the woman ran away, he followed her and stated, "you'll ruin my career," to which she responded that she would not tell anyone about the incident. Torres' defense attorney, William Brewer, argued that the encounter was consensual and that Torres has a good character. The trial is taking place one year after the alleged offense. Following the charges in April 2024, Football Australia temporarily suspended Torres, and his contract was not renewed after it expired in June 2024. The trial is ongoing.