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Danny Cipriani apologises following Jersey nightclub incident

Danny Cipriani issues an apology after pleading guilty to assault and resisting arrest following an incident outside a nightclub in Jersey on Wednesday.

Danny Cipriani has issued an apology after pleading guilty to assault and resisting arrest following an incident outside a nightclub in Jersey on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old has been ordered to pay a £2,000 fine, plus £250 compensation to a female police officer, having appeared at Jersey Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Three other charges of assault of a police officer, larceny and disorderly behaviour, have been dropped.

In a statement released on his Twitter account, the England and Gloucester Rugby fly-half said: "I want to start with a heartfelt apology.

"To my club, teammates, supporters and most importantly the police. They have a tough and vital job and I'm mortified that, earlier this week, I acted in a way that I hugely regret. I am truly sorry.

"I would also like to put on record the words of the Magistrate Sarah Fitz who publicly stated that 'it was a minor incident' and 'a fine is more than sufficient'.

"I was wrong to argue with a bouncer, and pull on his camera tie. I was also wrong to resist arrest. This is why I pleaded guilty to these two charges and all other charges were dropped by the prosecution.

"I was initially confused as to why I was being arrested by three officers. This led me to react in the wrong manner for a matter of seconds, seeking to hold off the police officers rather than accepting their decision. It goes without saying, given the words of the Magistrate, that I didn't strike anyone or initiate aggression in any way.

"I was on a team night out with the whole squad. I am grateful to the club, who have been fully supportive. I would like to publicly thank the Magistrate and the police and, once again, apologise both to them and to the public."

The Rugby Football Union has since charged Cipriani for "conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game".

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