Bird was convicted of assaulting Milligan in April

Catalans Dragons skipper Greg Bird has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for wounding his girlfriend Katie Milligan with a broken glass.

The Australian was said to be visibly shaken as he was taken into custody in Sydney although he was later granted bail pending an appeal.

The 25-year-old stand-off had denied glassing Milligan following an argument at their Cronulla home in August 2008.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell said he did not believe Bird regretted the attack.

"In my view there in no contrition. The accused has maintained a position of not guilty throughout the proceedings and maintains that position," said Clisdell.

"I do not accept that showing concern for Ms Milligan shows contrition in the light of his protestations of innocence."

Bird's girlfriend had written him a character reference to persuade the court to give him a lenient sentence, but his friend Brent Watson, who the former Cronulla Sharks player originally told police was responsible for the cuts to Milligan's face and eye, described him as "selfish".

Bird's lawyer, Les Nicholls, told the court that he had not hurt Ms Milligan intentionally and had not caused her lasting damage or disfigurement.

The pair now live together in France.

Bird was released by the Sharks after his arrest and was set to join Bradford before the British High Commission rejected the player's visa application.

Fellow Super League side Dragons stepped in and Bird signed with then until the end of the season and was appointed captain after just two substitute appearances.

The French side, who play in Perpignan, opened talks about extending his stay at the club after his conviction in April.

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