Player blames alcohol for attempted rape
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:26
Hawke's Bay player, Lopi Lilomaiava, has been sentenced to 200 hours community work after attempting to undress a woman at a party.
The 26-year-old admitted to indecent assault and theft during the incident at a private party on ANZAC Day this year, and was sentenced Hastings District Court on Wednesday.
According to NZPA a heavily intoxicated Lilomaiava forcefully held a woman down on a bed before attempting to undress her, despite her protests.
The defence councel stressed that Lilomaiava was sucked into "the drinking culture in [New Zealand] rugby", which had now caught up with him.
Judge Richard Watson told Lilomaiava that he was "extremely fortunate" that other partygoers had entered the room.
"It looked like you had a very clear intent," Judge Watson said.
"Had it not been for the interruption you could have been facing a far more serious charge.
"You got caught up in binge drinking which I'm told is something undertaken quite frequently by the rugby club members."
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