Lauaki to be sentenced in June for assault

Sione Lauaki punched a man at Hamilton bar in March. Photo / Doug Sherring

All Black Sione Lauaki was today remanded for sentencing next month after pleading guilty to an assault charge in March.

During a brief appearance at Hamilton District Court Lauaki, 28, was remanded until June 24 when his lawyer will present affidavits and written submissions for his sentencing.

On March 23, the Chiefs number 8 admitted assaulting a man at a bar.

The incident occurred early on the morning of March 5 while Lauaki was serving a two-week ban for his Chiefs side for a dangerous tackle in a Super 14 match against the Lions in February.

Lauaki was drinking with a group of friends and punched the man twice after he thought the man had taken his drink.

The New Zealand Rugby Union fined Lauaki $4000 over the assault and said it would terminate his contract should there be another incident.

Lauaki stood impassively in the dock during this morning's hearing.

Lauaki's lawyer David Allen today asked Judge Arthur Tompkins for sentencing to be adjourned so an application for a discharge without conviction could be made.

A conviction would have serious consequences for Lauaki because he had received an offer to play overseas, Mr Allen said.

Lauaki had already been affected by negative media coverage of the incident, he said.

Police were not opposed to the adjournment.

Lauaki was accompanied to court by his agent, former All Black Craig Innes.

Outside court, Lauaki would not comment to the barrage of reporters waiting for him.

Mr Innes said he wanted his client's court process to take place and would not be commenting until it had.

- With NZPA