Prosecutors have requested a six-month suspended prison sentence for La Rochelle’s Australia loose forward Lopeti Timani for throwing a bottle outside a nightclub last May.
The 29-year-old threw a bottle at two bouncers in the early hours of 12 May last year after he was escorted out of a local nightclub. One suffered a face wound that forced him to miss at least eight days’ work.
The bouncers then reportedly retaliated together, without causing Timani any serious injuries. They were later charged with organised violence.
Six-month suspended sentence for Lopeti Timani following brawl outside French nightclub https://t.co/yqjyupTYEy
— RugbyMedium (@RugbyMedium) June 9, 2020
Prosecutors requested suspended jail sentences of six months and three months for the bouncers respectively.
Tongan-born Timani, who has played 12 times for Australia, apologised for throwing the bottle at Monday’s hearing.
“I didn’t want to hurt someone, I threw it over my shoulder without looking,” Timani said, adding he had deliberately not reacted when he was subsequently attacked. “If I’d fought it would have been the end of my career” at La Rochelle.
LIST | 5 wonderkids who could star for England at 2023 Rugby World Cup
Here are five players who could potentially break into the England set-up…
1. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Position: Fullback
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role f=or Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he’ll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours.