The High Court has allowed an appeal against a judge's decision to discharge rugby player Losi Filipo without conviction for assaulting four people, including two women. There appears to have been a delay of approximately 10 months between the date Losi Filipo was charged and when he was discharged without conviction. In particular, Losi Filipo portrayed his role as being one of assisting his brother after the fighting had started and that he was hit before he delivered any blows. Losi Filipo's explanation about the genesis of the assault conflicted with the agreed summary of facts." "I am satisfied Judge Davidson erred when he overlooked relevant matters relating to the gravity of Losi Filipo's offending."

Source: New Zealand Herald October 27, 2016 03:40 UTC