Newcastle Knights recruit Russell Packer has been sentenced to two years in prison for a drunken assault outside a Sydney venue. The 24-year-old rugby league player punched a man repeatedly and stomped on his head as he lay motionless on the ground outside the Chambers Hotel in Martin Place last November.
Packer pleaded guilty at Downing Centre Local Court to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and failing to leave a venue. Magistrate Greg Grogan described the behaviour as 'cowardly and deplorable', noting that Packer had no prior criminal record.
The sentence came as a surprise to Packer's lawyer, who told the magistrate he had 'absolutely no idea' jail time was being considered. Packer appeared stunned as corrective services officers led him from the courtroom.
