Swann avoids jail for assault

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Wednesday 29th Dec 2004.

Nobody will be relishing the chance to kick off the new Super League X campaign more than former Bulls second-rower Logan Swann.

The New Zealand international has been spared a custodial sentence for his part in a drunken assault on a man in Auckland in May.

Swann was ordered to pay the unnamed victim $500, but the black cloud hanging over his rugby career was lifted by Judge Avinash Deobhakta, who "very, very reluctantly" granted him a discharge without conviction.

Twenty-eight-year-old Swann can now begin planning for the future and a fresh start at Warrington Wolves, where he will commence pre-season training next month.

Judge Deobhakta said he did not want to destroy Swann's career.

His age, some "glowing testimonies from some eminent people" and the fact he had no previous convictions also went in his favour, however Judge Deobhakta did have some harsh words for the Kiwi star.

"I have no difficulty in fining you for this abominable behaviour," he said. "Let this be a salutary lesson to you that this will be the last time you will get a discharge. You have finished your nine lives."

Swann had pleaded guilty to assault at an earlier hearing at Auckland District Court.

The court heard how an intoxicated Swann threw his victim to the ground after being taunted about his tackling.

The man was then assaulted by Swann's two associates. The man's right eye was swollen shut and the side of his face swollen and grazed.

Swann spent one season at Odsal before signing a two-year deal at Warrington in September.

Swann's slow start at the club after coming back from a knee ligament injury suffered in the World Club Challenge final and his desire to tie up a two-year deal were the major factors in the Bulls failing to re-sign him.

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