Justice Sarath de Abrew on Tuesday (14) withdrew the petition that he filed at the Supreme Court to hold the police investigations in connection with a complaint lodged by a domestic worker over an alleged assault incident. 

Justice Abrew, who is alleged to have attacked the domestic worker at his house on or around June 26, was released on bail by the Mt-Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, on July 07.

The Attorney-at Law who appeared on behalf of the Justice informed the Court that the petition needs to be withdrawn since his client has already been enlarged on bail by the Magistrate. 

The police investigation, in this regard, was launched after the domestic worker lodged a complaint and accused Justice Abrew of assaulting her at his residence in Attidiya, Mt Lavinia. Based on the complaint, a team of police officers had visited Abrew’s residence twice to record a statement, however, the Justice had declined to give the statement, it was reported.

The Sri Lankan Domestic Workers Union, along with other trade unions and women’s groups, also organised a picket, outside the Supreme Court over this incident on July 6.

Earlier, in 2012, a police constable attached to the Mt-Lavinia police had also lodged a complaint, stating that Abrew had allegedly assaulted him while he was on guard duty at the Justice’s residence in Attidiya.