Rugby star assault charge dropped

England and Gloucester rugby player Lesley Vainikolo has had one of two assault charges against him dropped.

The 30-year-old appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Monday charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent after a nightclub incident.

But prosecutor William Hunter dropped the charge of GBH with intent.

The Gloucester RFC player, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, will now stand trial for a remaining, less serious, charge of causing GBH.

Mr Vainikolo was charged following an incident outside the Second Bridge nightclub in Bath's Manvers Street after which a man was taken to hospital with head injuries.

Mr Vainikolo had previously entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

His counsel, Mark Milliken-Smith, asked for more time on Monday to contact a potential witness, based in Limerick, Ireland.

The 6ft 2in, 17.5st player, a former Bradford Bulls Rugby League star, made his England debut in last year's RBS Six Nations tournament.

Judge Mark Horton adjourned the case until Tuesday.

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