The spectator who tackled a player during last month's Horowhenua-Kapiti club rugby final was convicted and fined in the Levin District Court yesterday.
Paul Eion Thomas, aged 31, a labourer, appeared on a charge of disorderly behaviour which was likely to cause violence.
In the incident, which made headlines around the world, Thomas went onto the field during the dying stages of the final between his club, Athletic, and Wanderers of Levin and tackled a player who was headed for the try line with his side behind 10-13.
After Thomas made the tackle, enraged Wanderers fans set upon him. The referee awarded a penalty, which was kicked to ensure a 13-13 draw.
Duty solicitor Mark Kirkeby told the court that Thomas was deeply remorseful for his actions on July 29 and for telling police in his explanation that he "would have done the same thing even if he was sober."
Mr Kirkeby told the court that Thomas had already written apologies to both the Wanderers and Athletic rugby clubs.
He said Thomas was aware he had let down the clubs, his friends and his family.
His revised explanation for his behaviour was that he was caught up in the intensity and hype of the game on the day.
Judge Phillip Connell said that, given Thomas' age of 31, his actions could not be described as those of youthful exuberance. "This was grossly disruptive and unsporting."
Judge Connell said he accepted that Thomas had been punished by the crowd, who had extracted some revenge, but the court could not condone a mob lynching.
He accepted that Thomas was remorseful and had made his apologies.
Judge Connell convicted Thomas and fined him $350.
He also ordered him to pay court costs of $130.
- NZPA
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