- Briefly played for Wests Tigers in the NRL
- Is now working as an educator
- Was facing second trial over the allegations
A former NRL player and primary school teacher has been found not guilty of sexually touching a child under 10.
Keith Eshman, 38, was acquitted by a jury at Wollongong District Court after a week-long trial.
The jury returned its verdict on Friday after just under three hours of deliberation.
The charge dated back to November 2022, when Eshman was working as a schoolteacher in the Illawarra region.
The complainant, a young girl, alleged Eshman had made her touch him sexually.
Eshman denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty from the outset.
Former NRL player Keith Eshman was found not guilty of sexually touching a child under 10
This was the second trial for the same charge, after a previous jury was unable to reach a verdict.
The case was heard before Judge Imad Abdul-Karim and involved testimony from the girl’s parents, school staff, police and Eshman himself.
Crown prosecutor Nerissa Keay described the child as ‘bright’ and ‘serious’ when disclosing the allegation.
She told the court the girl became ‘distressed’ when revealing what had allegedly happened.
The Crown’s case relied on a recording of the child’s evidence, which was played in closed court.
Judge Abdul-Karim reminded the jury not to focus on why the girl had been touching herself, but to consider whether the accused was guilty.
He noted the complainant’s evidence was delivered ‘matter of fact’ and in a way typical of a young child unfamiliar with sexual matters.
He also addressed claims that Eshman had been the subject of touchy behaviour from the girl.
It was the second trial for the former Wests Tigers star and no further charges have been laid
Witnesses described her as being ‘clingy’ and ‘touchy-feely’ with the teacher.
Eshman told the court he would acknowledge her and redirect the behaviour appropriately.
Judge Abdul-Karim also referred to internet search history found on Eshman’s devices.
These included queries about child development, orgasm, and behaviour after abuse.
The defence said Eshman made those searches to understand unusual student behaviour.
The Crown argued the searches indicated a sexual interest in children.
Eshman also kept a personal diary detailing concerns about the girl’s conduct at school.
The judge reminded the jury that Eshman had spoken with colleagues about the child’s behaviour.
During closing arguments, defence barrister Matthew Barnes urged jurors to apply common sense.
He said the allegation was not supported by any physical evidence or corroboration.
The jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on the charge.
The acquittal brings to an end a three-year legal ordeal for Eshman.
He was arrested at the school following the allegation and has faced public scrutiny ever since.
Eshman played one NRL game for the Wests Tigers in 2006 as a winger.
He later moved into teaching after his short-lived professional rugby league career.
Before joining the Tigers, he played junior footy for Quakers Hill Destroyers.
He also attended Patrician Brothers’ College in Blacktown.
Outside of court, Eshman did not speak publicly after the verdict.
The complainant, whose identity is legally protected, was not present when the verdict was read. No further charges have been laid.
