Rugby players are facing jail over an attack

Friday 27th March 2009 - 11:53:54

Mr Reardon and Mr Pryce are both former Bradford Bulls players and are facing jail over an attack.

The two rugby league stars have been warned that they face jail after admitting assault.

Warrington Wolves full-back Stuart Reardon, 27, pleaded guilty to assaulting his estranged wife Kay after finding out she was seeing another man.

St Helens stand-off Leon Pryce, 27, admitted assaulting her new partner Damon O'Brien at his flat in Bradford.

The defendants had both been drinking before forcing their way into the flat, Bradford Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Stephen Rushton, prosecuting, told the court that Reardon, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, and his wife had separated in February 2008 and he had begun divorce proceedings in May of that year.

Deputy District Judge Nick Watson

He said that Reardon and Pryce were watching a rugby match in a pub in Bradford on 12 July when friends told Reardon his estranged wife had a new boyfriend.

Reardon, who said he had drunk four pints and was feeling a little fresh, asked Pryce to accompany him in a taxi to Mr O'Brien's flat.

He then shoulder-barged the door, breaking the frame and the lock.

After shouting insults at his wife, Reardon grabbed her arm, causing three bruises.

In mitigation for Pryce, barrister Nigel Edwards said neither defendant intended to use violence that night and claimed his client was only there as a peacemaker.