Vainikolo charges dropped
Vainikolo has seen his grevious bodily harm charges dropped
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By Richard James. |  |
Tuesday, 29, Sep 2009 12:31
By Michael Younger.
England and Gloucester wing Lesley Vainikolo has had charges of causing grievous bodily harm dropped.
The 30-year-old former New Zealand rugby league international was accused of punching a fan, Mr Alicker, outside Second Bridge nightclub in Bath in the early hours of October 26th last year.
While giving evidence at Bristol crown court, Mr Vainikolo claimed he punched Mr Alicker to protect himself after he was "scared" and "intimidated" by his aggressive and threatening behaviour.
The jury failed to reach a verdict during the trial earlier this month.
Vainikolo said on Tuesday: "I would never lie, I told the truth and had God on my side. If you hide the truth you will be found out.
"I can get on with my life now. I am just going to concentrate on my rugby and spend more time with my family."
Vainikolo will look to go straight into the squad which travels to Leeds Carnegie on Saturday, as Gloucester aim to bounce back from the 19-16 defeat at Saracens last weekend.