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Mathieu van der Poel has assault convictions quashed in Australia

13-Dec-2022 12:54:22 | The Guardian

• Dutch cyclist had been charged with common assault
• Judge says there had been a ‘significant degree of provocation’

The Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel, who pleaded guilty to common assault of two teenaged girls before the world championship road race in September, has had his convictions and fine overturned by a judge in Sydney’s Downing Centre district court on appeal.

The 27-year-old had been charged with two counts of common assault after a confrontation with the girls – aged 13 and 14 – who he said had repeatedly knocked on his door and then run away. He was convicted and fined A$1,500 (£825).