Club stands by 'cowardly' attack player

Tongan rugby international Sisi Fonua, 34, was yesterday ordered to serve a 150-hour community punishment order, for punching 21-year old Darren Dicks outside the Bridgend pub in Ebbw Vale.

Earlier Cardiff crown court was told Fonua - who admitted a charge of wounding - was racially abused by someone before the incident.

Later editions of yesterday's Argus reported how Fonua - a father-of-four from Newlands Court, Pontnewynydd - must also pay £500 compensation to Mr Dicks and £200 costs. Fonua, who plays for Division 2 side Abertillery, was backed by his club after the sentencing.

Honorary secretary Garth Collier told the Argus: "This will not affect his relationship with the club at all.

"We are surprised at the severity of the sentence, we gave him a glowing reference and he is such a quiet, mild mannered and even- tempered man.

"He will be definitely be considered for our next match next week, away to Ystradgynlais." Prosecutor Hilary Roberts had said Mr Dicks went to the pub on November 8 while home on leave.

He intervened when Fonua lifted his friend and punched him in the stomach, after that friend bumped into a member of Fonua's group.

Mr Roberts said that later that evening, Mr Dicks shook hands with Fonua but was attacked as he walked away. He needed 18 stitches in a cut lip after being taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital.

Mr Dicks also suffered a loose tooth and a bruised ear. When arrested Fonua admitted throwing a punch in the pub and outside but denied any kicking.

Mitigating, Stephen Jeary said it was the racial abuse which made Fonua lose control and outside the club he believed Mr Dicks and others wanted him to fight.

He added Fonua was regarded as a "gentle giant", a role model for young people and had no previous convictions.

Judge John Griffith Williams told Fonua: "A prison sentence can be justified but I have been persuaded that the public interest will not be served by imprisoning you."