League player's sentence for attacking woman downgraded

SYDNEY - Former Kiwis rugby league international Tevita Latu's appeal against a periodic detention sentence for assaulting a woman in Sydney was granted today.

Latu, who lost his contract with the Cronulla Sharks club over the incident, was sentenced to eight months periodic detention last month.

He appealed against its severity and a Sydney judge today quashed the sentence, replacing it with 200 hours community service.

Latu punched 19-year-old Brooke Penington, breaking her nose, in an incident in May.

- NZPA