Former Bulldogs NRL star allegedly assaulted his fiancee when he ‘caught her with his teammate’

Michael Lichaa allegedly assaulted his ex-fiancee when he learnt of her affair with his best friend and former teammate, a court has been told. 

The former Canterbury and Cronulla star has denied assaulting his former partner Kara Childerhouse during a heated argument in February last year.

The case is currently being heard at Sutherland Local Court and is expected to reach its conclusion on Thursday and Friday.

It is alleged that the 29-year-old was heard arguing with Childerhouse at their home in southern Sydney, prompting neighbours to call the police. 

The court heard that the incident unfolded after Lichaa caught his former partner cheating on him with his close friend and ex-teammate Adam Elliott. The court was due to hear evidence from Elliott on Thursday.

The prosecution applied for an adjournment, claiming that Childerhouse was unfit to give evidence until October 31 because she is pregnant.

Later in the day, the court was informed that her mother had arrived at the court and told police that Childerhouse did not wish to relive the ‘trauma’ of the case and was concerned about the stress that giving evidence in the witness box entails.

The prosecution admitted that there was no guarantee that she would turn up to court to give evidence if it was pushed further back. The case has already dragged on for nine months and the magistrate was unconvinced that Childerhouse would return.

‘I’ve not heard any information which provides me with any confidence that Ms Childerhouse is likely to attend if granted an adjournment,’ magistrate Melissa Humphreys said.

‘It would appear Ms Childerhouse no longer wishes to participate in the proceedings.’

In a previous testimony, Childerhouse claimed that Liuchaa pushed her, causing her heard to hit a wall. The 29-year-old has pleaded not guilty to common assault and stalking/intimate causing fear of physical harm.

His lawyers want Childerhouse’s evidence struck out because they say they were unable to cross-examine her on key issues.

Earlier, the magistrate ruled that a statement given by Childerhouse, in which she retracted the allegations against Lichaa, would be included as evidence for the hearing. 

The police prosecution had asked for it to be ruled inadmissible as Childerhouse claims she had been pressured by Lichaa, his parents and solicitor. However, the magistrate ruled that she could make no finding of impropriety and allowed for its inclusion.