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Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies criticised by judge | Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies criticised by judge |
(40 minutes later) | |
Wales rugby stars Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies have been criticised by a judge for missing a case against a man accused of assaulting them. | |
But after the court hearing police said the players had co-operated and were not formally told they had to be there. | |
Earlier, District Judge John Charles told Cardiff Magistrates Court their absence gave the wrong impression that giving evidence was optional. | |
Daniel Richards was formally cleared of actual bodily harm and common assault. | |
The Welsh Rugby Union also claimed after the hearing that South Wales Police had told them that "their presence was not required". | |
A WRU spokesman went on: "Both players fully co-operated with the police investigation and appreciate the importance of attending court but neither was summonsed to give evidence. | |
"Both players supplied witness statements to South Wales Police concerning the incident which was under investigation. | |
"Both are extremely grateful for the efforts of South Wales Police in investigating this incident." | |
A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said later: "The two players have fully co-operated with the inquiry and were not formally told that their presence would be required in court." | |
British Lion and Cardiff Blues centre, Roberts, 24, was on a night out in Cardiff in February this year with fellow Wales player Davies when the pair were allegedly attacked. | British Lion and Cardiff Blues centre, Roberts, 24, was on a night out in Cardiff in February this year with fellow Wales player Davies when the pair were allegedly attacked. |
Roberts was left with a cut lip following the incident in Greyfriars Road. | Roberts was left with a cut lip following the incident in Greyfriars Road. |
Davies is in the Wales squad to face the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. Roberts is being rested. | Davies is in the Wales squad to face the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. Roberts is being rested. |
'Extremely unsatisfactory' | 'Extremely unsatisfactory' |
Anne Mead, prosecuting, told the court: "The people concerned are international rugby players and are involved in what's deemed to be important training for their World Cup participation. | |
"Consideration was given to the possibility of issuing summons to secure their attendance but this was not considered appropriate." | "Consideration was given to the possibility of issuing summons to secure their attendance but this was not considered appropriate." |
The court was told the Crown Prosecution Service case against Mr Richards, 20, of Cyncoed, Cardiff, could not go ahead without the two witnesses. | |
Judge Charles asked: "What are these training requirements that take precedent over their public duty to give evidence?" | Judge Charles asked: "What are these training requirements that take precedent over their public duty to give evidence?" |
He said: "This is extremely unsatisfactory and it gives the wrong impression for the public at large. | He said: "This is extremely unsatisfactory and it gives the wrong impression for the public at large. |
"It is extremely inconvenient for the two witnesses not to attend court." | "It is extremely inconvenient for the two witnesses not to attend court." |
Angelo Gooden, defending, said: "Their reluctance, not inability to attend court is unacceptable. | Angelo Gooden, defending, said: "Their reluctance, not inability to attend court is unacceptable. |
"Their reason not to attend because they are too busy at their place of work, albeit international rugby, is not good enough." | "Their reason not to attend because they are too busy at their place of work, albeit international rugby, is not good enough." |