Warrior accused of sex assault denies any wrong-doing

Warrior Kevin Locke. Photo / Getty Images

Up-and-coming league star Kevin Locke has been named as the Warriors player under investigation for sexual assault.

Police want to speak to Locke about an early-morning incident that led to a woman laying a complaint she was sexually assaulted.

The incident occurred in central Auckland in the past fortnight.

The Herald understands it happened in Locke's car and involves a woman he had been socialising with earlier in the evening.

A statement from lawyer John Haigh QC today said Locke "strenuously denies" he has done anything wrong.

His client was co-operating with police and wanted his name published to avoid speculation on the investigation.

No charges had been laid, Mr Haigh said.

The Warriors club said it would not be making any further comment, although a spokesman said Locke would not be stood down.

When approached last night, Locke denied knowledge of the police investigation.

"Holy hell ... holy crap, I haven't heard anything about that," he said.

But soon after, the Herald received a call from the Mr Haigh who confirmed he would be dealing with police.

"He is in the process of responding to an inquiry the police have instigated into an incident in the inner city. He has committed no offence."

Mr Haigh would not elaborate on the nature of the complaint.

It's understood the player and the complainant met while she was out with friends at a city bar. They met again hours later.

Auckland City police would not comment yesterday on the inquiry.

In a statement, a spokeswoman said: "We investigate all complaints of rape or sexual assault and have received at least 10 over the past two weeks, which is not unusual.

"We don't publicise the identities of complainants or other details unless we are appealing for information."

The National Rugby League has endured several high-profile scandals in recent years.

In 2009, Manly's Brett Stewart, who was also the frontman for the NRL, was charged with sexual assault and suspended from playing. He was acquitted of the charges by a Sydney jury.