Alesana Tuilagi has been spared a criminal record and possible jail time following a 'drink fuelled' attack on a man outside a nightclub on Harcourt Street in 2011. Tuilagi was present in Dublin District Court today to hear the verdict regarding an incident which took place in Dublin following Leinster's 17-10 defeat of Leicester in the quarter final of the Heineken Cup.
The Samoan international, brother of England international Manu, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm at Dublin District Court and Judge Anthony Halpin decided that the now Newcastle Falcons player would not face jail time or a criminal record.
In striking out the case Judge Halpin said the victim "was more than generously compensated" and had made a full recovery. Detective Inspector Anthony Howard had earlier told the court that Tuilagi "punched the injured party" who received "minor injuries" as a result.
Defending solicitor Peter Connolly described the incident as "a pent-up lapse of judgement while he was intoxicated".
In accepting the defence's plea for leniency, Judge Halpin said although he was willing to spare Tuilagi from a criminal record, someone of his nature "has to be cautious and careful to avoid such situations of confrontation and aggression because they can be prone to over-stepping the mark, even unintentionally".
