Vainikolo GBH case adjourned

Court proceedings against England rugby star Lesley Vainikolo were adjourned today to allow the injured winger to fly to New Zealand to “deal with sensitive family matters”.

Vainikolo, 29, known as The Volcano, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm following an incident outside the Second Bridge nightclub in Bath on October 26 last year after which a man in his 20s was taken to hospital with head injuries.

At a short preliminary hearing today at Bristol Crown Court, counsel for Vainikolo, who appeared on crutches, asked for a plea hearing to be put back to allow the Tongan-born player to visit family abroad.

The Volcano will not play again this season after undergoing surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury sustained while he was playing for his club, Gloucester RFC, against Saracens on January 3.

Vainikolo’s counsel, Alex Radley, told the court: “My client is taking the opportunity while he is recovering to return to New Zealand and deal with sensitive family matters.”

Judge John Foley moved back a plea and case management hearing to May 8.

Vainikolo, who lives in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, made his England debut in last year’s RBS 6 Nations tournament.

The 6ft 2in, 17.5st player has won five England caps after becoming eligible through his residency in the UK.