Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has pleaded guilty to two charges
of driving while disqualified.
Appearing in Hastings District Court today, the 21-year-old
was sentenced to 50 hours' community work.
He was supported in court by his mother and Chiefs assistant
coach Tom Coventry.
He faced two charges, the first for driving to training and
the second for driving to deregister his vehicle.
Judge Richard Watson said Tameifuna could use his standing as
a successful rugby player to help others during his community
work sentence.
Defence lawyer Roger Philip said the Chiefs franchise and
coach Coventry had set up an eight-point plan to help support
Tameifuna.
"They believe they can look after his best interests . . .
and address, if you like, any issues regarding his
performance on and off the field," Mr Philip said.
Tameifuna was also disqualified from driving for nine months.
- Corey Charlton of Hawke's Bay Today
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