Rugby brawler gets community sentence

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A spectator who threw a punch during a brawl at an under-11s rugby game has been sentenced to community work.

Siake Sua was charged with common assault following the brawl which ended the match on June 30.

Appearing in Porirua District Court this morning Sua was sentenced to 40 hours community work by Judge Jan Kelly.

Sua's lawyer, Tim Lancaster, said Sua was on one side of the field when the referee was alone and surrounded by opposition supporters.

He punched another man in the head during a volatile situation, Mr Lancaster said.

Mr Lancaster said Sua was remorseful.

In sentencing Sua, Judge Kelly said children learnt from the behaviour of adults and to denounce his offending, a sentence of community work must be imposed.

The other man involved is yet to appear in court.