Former NRL player James Roberts has been led away from a Sydney courthouse in dramatic scenes, punching a police van.
The 30-year-old had attended Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday where he was due to face a mention for an apprehended domestic violence order.
The order was made by a senior constable and lists his wife Anna Jovanovic as the person in need of protection.
NCA NewsWire understand Mr Roberts, who has played for the West Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs, allegedly had an outburst in court before he was led out of the building by police.
Multiple police officers escorted him outside the building, walking alongside him and down the stairs into the van.
As he was led into the vehicle, Mr Roberts could be seen punching the rear door, causing officers to flinch.
He could be heard screaming “see what you do to me?” from inside the van.
Exclusive images taken by NCA NewsWire show the moments he became agitated and punched the police car.
NSW Police issued a statement saying officers were investigating reports of alleged breaches of the AVO.
“Following inquiries, police arrested a 30-year-old man at the Downing Centre Local Court, around 12pm today,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“He was taken to Mascot Police Station where he is currently assisting police with inquiries.”
Mr Roberts is a former NRL player who played as a centre for the West Tigers, but retired in 2022.
He also had stints at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Penrith Panthers, Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos, and played at representative level for the Indigenous All Stars, City Origin and in the 2018 State of Origin series for NSW.
Mr Roberts will return to court later this month for the AVO.