Samoan rugby star Alesana Tuilagi has been spared a jail term and a criminal record after he pleaded guilty to a drink-fuelled attack on a man in Dublin three years ago.
The 33-year-old pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to assault causing harm to a man who received a single punch in the face during an incident at Harcourt Street on April 4th, 2011.
The blow, described by a defence lawyer as a “pent-up lapse of judgement”, happened after the former Leicester winger got drunk partying.
He had been in the Leicester side that lost a Heineken Cup quarter-final to Leinster earlier that day.
Judge Anthony Halpin noted the victim made a recovery and “was more than generously compensated” and he accepted that the attack was uncharacteristic.
He struck out the case, sparing Tuilagi a criminal record and a possible jail term for the offence which carries a maximum one-year sentence in the District Court.
The 1.85-metre tall winger, now a star of the Newcastle Falcons rugby union team in England, made his third court appearance, having been originally charged in August.
Detective Garda Tony Howard told Judge Halpin that during an "altercation" Tuilagi "punched the injured party, he received minor injuries".
He agreed with defence solicitor Peter Connolly that the man has made a full recovery and that there was just one punch.
Judge Halpin was furnished with a medical report and he accepted jurisdiction for the case to be dealt with in the district court, and not sent forward to the Circuit Court which can impose tougher sentences.
The defence had been furnished with CCTV footage of the incident as well as witness statements ahead of the hearing.
Det Inspector Howard agreed with Mr Connolly that Tuilagi, who has no previous criminal convictions, had been co-operative and came back to Ireland voluntarily to face the court. He also agreed Tuilagi made a "good impression".
“I would have no hesitation in stating he is a gentleman,” said the investigating officer.
Mr Connolly told Judge Halpin the victim, who was not named in court, received “significant compensation” in separate civil proceedings.
Mr Connolly said it was a stressful day and “this regrettable incident happened”.
During the season, Tuilagi does not normally drink, the defence solicitor said, adding: “People were paying him a lot of attention, he cannot really remember.”
Mr Connolly described the incident as, “a pent-up lapse of judgement while he was intoxicated”.
He said his client was remorseful, the incident was out of character and “his club is standing by him”. He also told the court that Tuilagi has done, “extensive charity work through the years”.
The defence lawyer said his client is in the twilight of his career and hoped to get into coaching when his playing days are behind him. Pleading for leniency, he said his client would need to be able to travel.
Judge Halpin said rugby involves robust tackling with no intention to cause harm.
“But someone of the accused’s nature has to be cautious and careful to avoid such situations of confrontation and aggression because they can be prone to over-stepping the mark, even unintentionally,” he said.
He said Tuilagi “probably has years ahead of him in terms of coaching”.
A conviction could be detrimental and inhibit his ability to travel, he said, adding: “I am prepared to strike the matter out”.
Tuilagi joined the Newscastle Falcons in England's Aviva Premiership during the summer after leaving Japanese club NTT Shining Arcs.
Previously in his club career, he had spent eight years with Leicester Tigers.
Tuilagi has earned numerous international caps and got the opening score in Samoa’s historic first ever victory over Australia in July 2011.