British rugby player Danny Cipriani leaves Jersey Magistrates' Court, Saint Helier, Jersey. Photo / AP
British rugby player Danny Cipriani leaves Jersey Magistrates' Court, Saint Helier, Jersey. Photo / AP
England rugby star Danny Cipriani has been left "mortified" after bruising a police officer during a bar row in Jersey.
During a 13-minute hearing on Thursday at Jersey Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to charges of common assault and resisting arrest as it emerged he left the police officer with a bruised arm and marks on her chin and neck.
As a result of the incident at the Royal Yacht Hotel in St Helier on Wednesday, Cipriani was fined £1,500 for resisting arrest and £500 for assault. He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the officer.
The rugby star released a statement Thursday afternoon, saying he was "mortified" and "truly sorry".
Cipriani, wearing an open-necked plad shirt, jeans and carrying a green hoodie, kept his head down as he emerged from court, led by his director of rugby David Humphreys. He ignored reporters' questions before getting in to a waiting car.
Appearing earlier this morning having spent the night in cells, Cipriani "accepts he did take hold of the officer's collar," according to the Daily Mail.
Gloucester Rugby stood by their player, and said Cipriani was "very remorseful" and "is a Gloucester Rugby player and will receive our full support as we focus on the exciting season ahead".
Mr Preston, defending, said: "He has suffered extreme embarrassment and knows he has let himself, his family and his club down."
Prosecutor Samantha Morris said the incident started when the doorman stopped Cipriani from walking out of the bar with two drinks.
He called the police after the fly-half became "physically aggressive", she added.
She said he "refused to understand why he was being arrested" and "tensed up", refusing to put his arms behind his back.
Danny Cipriani exits Magistrate's Court after being fined £2000 for his offences at town nightclub. No apology or statement#Cipriani#rugbypic.twitter.com/dwHCHU3uY1
He had one hand in a handcuff but broke his other arm free, pushed towards the female officer and grabbed hold of her shirt, the court heard.
The police woman sustained bruising to her right bicep and reddening to her chest, Miss Morris said.
Mr Preston said that when Cipriani was approached outside the Pomme d'Or hotel by police he was "confused as to why he was immediately arrested and why he was being handcuffed".
"He is very sorry for his behaviour, which lasted a few seconds," he added.
His club Gloucester, who he joined in the off-season having transferred from Wasps, said: "Danny is very remorseful after the incident and would like to thank those who supported him during this time. He fully accepts the outcome and his punishment from the judicial system this morning."
Chief executive Stephen Vaughan said: "We are very proud of the culture we have within the group and the stated values which we strive to deliver against. Incidents of this nature are very disappointing to be associated with, and we will deal with it in a robust but balanced way but based purely on the facts.
"As a high profile sportsperson there is often a large degree of public and media scrutiny involved, which Danny is well aware of.
"The incident in question was over in a matter of seconds and was a reaction to the conduct of other parties involved.
"He knows his responsibilities and is aware of the impact of this type of incident on the club. However, Danny is a Gloucester Rugby player and will receive our full support as we focus on the exciting season ahead."
The 30-year-old, known away from the sport for his relationships with Kirsty Gallacher, the television presenter, and Kelly Brook and Katie Price, the glamour models, was accused of common assault, larceny, resisting arrest and being disorderly on licensed premises in Jersey.
It is undertsood the other two charges Cipriani was accused of - being disorderly on licensed premises and larceny - have been dropped.
Teammate Ruan Ackermann posted a picture on Instagram of the smiling fly-half hours before the incident, with the caption "Having a few brother".
A witness told The Sun Wednesday night that Cipriani, who had become involved in a "big disagreement", and claims he told police arresting him at the scene: "These wrists are gold - loosen the cuffs."
The altercation occurred on a Gloucester Rugby preseason tour Cipriani had been staying with members of the Gloucester team for their pre-season tour.
It came after Eddie Jones, the England coach, told Cipriani he was on his "last chance" after years in the international wilderness.
Danny Cipriani. Photo / Photosport
Jersey Police said in a statement last night: "This morning 30-year-old Daniel Cipriani was charged with common assault, larceny, assault on police, resisting arrest and being disorderly on licensed premises.
He has been remanded in custody until a court appearance at magistrates' court at 10am tomorrow." Gloucester confirmed only that it was aware of the arrest.
"The club will make a further announcement in due course," a statement said.
According to the witness, "Cipriani was in a row after a big disagreement with a bouncer. He wanted to take his drink outside, but wasn't allowed.
"An argument broke out, and neither man backed down. Cipriani, looking unsteady on his feet, was detained. Police were called straight away."
Cipriani was described as "relaxed" when police arrived.
The fly-half returned to the England squad for the South African tour in June after 10 years without an international start.
Cipriani's career has often featured in the news sections of papers as well as in sport.
After learning he was not part of the 2015 World Cup squad, he argued with Mike Catt, England's attack coach.
He was marginalised by Martin Johnson, a head coach, before the 2011 tournament, and dropped in 2008 after visiting a nightclub before a match against Scotland.
While on club duty at Wasps, he was involved in an argument at the training ground with teammate Josh Lewsey in 2008.
Johan Ackermann, his club's head coach, said on the club's website that the trip to Jersey was for training and not quality time.
"But the fact that we are away from the normal routine ... that's the only way you get to know your friends and get closer." Players yesterday went canoeing as Cipriani remained in the cells.
