Geraldton footy coach Justin Crudeli to stand trial on assault charges next year

A Geraldton football coach is set to stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to assaulting two people in February. Justin James Crudeli, 37, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday and is accused of failing to leave the Geraldton Hotel when directed to do so, common assault, and assault occasioning bodily harm. Details of the alleged incidents have not been revealed in court, but it is understood the charges related to two alleged victims. Mr Crudeli pleaded not guilty to all charges earlier this year and the matter was this week set down for trial on January 31, 2023. Lawyer Malcolm Ayoub will represent Mr Crudeli during the hearing, which is expected to take a day and a half. Under his bail conditions, Mr Crudeli is barred from entering all licensed premises in WA, but he is allowed to access Rovers Football Club, where he is a coach. He is also permitted to attend a Meekatharra pub for meals when he is stationed at the Gascoyne town for work.