Southland rugby player fined

Press, 11 September 1986, Page 32

Southland rugby player fined

PA Invercargill A Southland rugby representative was fined 5250 when he appeared in the District Court at Invercargill for punching the manager of the Ascot Park Motor Hotel in the face on August 27. Judge Reid heard how an argument developed between Christopher Bain McCall, aged 25, and the manager, Mr Brian Counihan, over bar service which resulted in the punch being thrown. However, McCall’s council, Ms Margaret Lockie, said her client, a farmer, deeply regretted the incident and went back to the hotel next morning to apologise to Mr Counihan.

When he heard the incident had been reported to the police, McCall drove immediately to the police station to help with inquiries, Ms Lockie said. She believed McCall had done everything possible to make up for the offence. Ms Lockie also said McCall had already suffered the indignity of being “a well-known sportsman up before the court” and was likely to have his rugby playing curtailed when the Southland Rugby Union met to discipline him. The incident occurred on the night of the South-land-Australia rugby match.