Police will fight the name suppression of a former Otago sports representative.
The 32-year-old appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday for sentencing and a bid for final name suppression, in relation to one count of Summary Offences Act assault.
Defence counsel Anne Stevens said her client was seeking name suppression because of business interests.
''It's the type of business that's built on one-to-one contact.''
Judge Michael Crosbie said many offenders entered the courts with business interests, but that did not entitle them to name suppression.
He had asked for an affidavit from the man for the basis of his application for name suppression, but it had not been filed with the court.
Prosecutor Sergeant Chris George said police were opposed to name suppression and wanted to see the grounds for the application.
A police summary of facts said the offending happened in July after a rugby match.
''Following this, the team ... were drinking heavily,'' it said.
''Later that night, some members of the team went out into town, where they continued drinking.
''At about 2am, the victim met members of the team which included the defendant at a bar where they were all socialising together.
''As the victim was standing with the group, the defendant came up behind her and he grabbed her on the buttocks.
''When she turned around and saw the defendant standing there, she pushed him away; he reacted by grabbing the collar of her jacket and raised his other arm.''
Members of the man's team intervened and separated them.
The man declined to comment or offer an explanation when he was spoken to by police.
He pleaded guilty on October 29.
Judge Crosbie stood the matter down so an affidavit could be filed with the court.
The matter was remanded until December 3.
