NRL player Russell Packer sentenced to two years' jail for drunken assault

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Rugby league player Russell Packer has been sentenced to two years' jail for a drunken assault in central Sydney.

The assault occurred outside the Chambers Hotel in Martin Place in November last year.

Packer punched a man in the face multiple times and stomped on his head as he lay motionless on the ground.

The victim suffered two fractured bones to his face.

Packer pleaded guilty in the Downing Centre local court on Monday to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and failing to leave a venue.

The court heard the Newcastle Knights recruit had no criminal record.

Magistrate Greg Grogan said the 24-year-old's behaviour was cowardly and deplorable, and sentenced him to two years' jail.

The sentence came as a surprise to Packer's lawyer, who told Grogan he had "absolutely no idea" he was considering jail time.

Packer appeared stunned as two corrective services officers led him out of the courtroom.

Packer's legal team indicated it would appeal the sentence.

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