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Chiefs' player sentenced

Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell has been given a suspended sentence and fined after punching a man in an Australian bar while celebrating a British and Irish Lions win.

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Exeter Chiefs statement after assault sentencing

Exeter Chiefs and Wales prop Craig Mitchell has been given a suspended sentence and fined after punching a man in an Australian bar while celebrating a British and Irish Lions win.

Exeter Rugby Club says Mitchell will now be subject to an internal disciplinary hearing within the club.

It has issued the following statement:

Exeter Rugby Club deeply regrets that one of its employees has faced court action in relation to their personal behaviour.

The club does not condone law breaking of any kind and will continue to stress with all of its employees the importance of acting as positive ambassadors - even in difficult and unwanted circumstances.

Craig Mitchell wishes to express his remorse not only to the victim and those involved in the incident, but also to Exeter Rugby Club, the Welsh Rugby Union and his family.

– Exeter Rugby Club spokesperson

Exeter Chiefs prop sentenced for assault in Australia

Exeter Chiefs and Wales player Craig Mitchell leaving Brisbane Magistrates Court today Credit: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell has been given a suspended sentence and fined after punching a man in an Australian bar while celebrating a British and Irish Lions win.

Mitchell, 27, was watching the Lions' first test victory against Australia in a Brisbane bar last weekend when a fight broke out.

Brisbane Magistrates heard Mitchell and another man punched lawyer Cian Barry in the altercation. Mitchell admitted aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, fined £1,180 and ordered to pay £1,966 to Mr Barry.

Speaking after sentencing, Mitchell described his actions as "totally unacceptable and unforgivable."

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