NRL player Russell Packer copped a two-year prison sentence on Monday for an assault charge in Sydney last year.
The New Zealander pleaded guilty to punching and stomping on the head of a 22-year-old while out at Martin Place last November.
The police prosecutor said Packer turned down numerous opportunities to walk away from the incident, instead leaving the victim unconscious with a fractured eye socket after continuing his attack while the injured man lay motionless on the ground.
Prior to sentencing, the 24-year-old’s lawyer argued his client had no prior criminal record and was participating in anger management and alcohol abuse counselling.
Magistrate Greg Grogan sentenced Packer to the maximum two-year penalty, telling the recently signed Newcastle Knight that violent, alcohol related behaviour would not be tolerated.
“Your behaviour on that night was nothing short of disgraceful,” he told Packer in court.
“It is deplorable … you should be ashamed.
“The community is sick and tired of the behaviour you exhibited that night.”
Packer attempted to sign with the Knights in October after having played 110 games with the New Zealand Warriors. The NRL had refused to validate Packer’s contract, saying the decision directly relates to the November charges.
“We have also been clear that we will always act on any information that demonstrates behaviour which is contrary to the interests, welfare and image of the NRL,” NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said last month.”
“While we make no inference in relation to the charges that Russell is facing, our integrity unit has reported conduct that leaves us with little choice other than to refuse the application for registration.”
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Photo: Sandra Mu, Getty Images
