Court rejects Bird’s bid to see Milligan

Rugbyleaguelive.com | 09/10/08 | 0

AUDIO - Greg Bird: 'I love my girlfriend'

Sharks player Greg Bird has lost a bid to have his bail conditions varied so he can see his girlfriend - but a Sydney court has been told an assault charge against him will be downgraded.

Greg Bird made the application to have his bail conditions and AVO varied so he can contact his alleged victim and girlfriend Katie Milligan.

Bird's lawyer, Leslie Nicholls, presented a letter to the court from Ms Milligan supporting changes to the AVO and saying she has no objection to Mr Bird contacting her.

"She has no objection to Mr Bird contacting her and this is a significant change in circumstances," Mr Nicholls said.

"The wishes of such a person should be given significance."

The Cronulla player is accused of glassing her in the face earlier this year, and was charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Downing centre court was today told that charge is likely to be dropped and replaced with the lesser charge of reckless wounding.

Despite the email from Ms Milligan supporting Bird's request to see her - the application has been rejected.

The court was told there is an important public policy in allowing police to protect victims that do not want an AVO.

She has no objection to Mr Bird contacting her and this is a significant change in circumstances Leslie Nicholls, Bird's lawyer