West Lancashire rugby star admits attack

Jul 1 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

RUGBY League star Iafeta Paleaaesina was yesterday sentenced to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after being convicted of punching a bus driver to the ground.

The 17-stone prop, who plays for Wigan Warriors, left victim James Campbell with a broken jaw after the confrontation last October.

New Zealand-born Paleaaesina, 26, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm at Liverpool Crown Court.

The assault took place at 4.30am on Saturday, October 6, in the car park of Wigan North Western railway station, just hours after Wigan were knocked out of the Super League play-offs by Leeds.

Neville Biddle, prosecuting, told the court Mr Campbell had been watching the play-off in Wigan when he came across the players and started making disparaging comments.

“He was clearly drunk. Nevertheless the defendant struck him to the face and knocked him to the ground where he lay for some time.”