Rugby star tasered by cops
A professional rugby league player who attacked a man and caused him severe dental problems had to be tasered by police.
Huddersfield Giants player Paul Whatuira, a former New Zealand international, is alleged to have punched two men causing serious facial injuries, missing teeth, and a possible broken jaw.
The Mirror reports that the police officers, which arrested Whatuira, 28, after the “unprovoked” assault, felt they had to call for backup before tackling the 14-stoner. Obviously the taser gun was the only solution.
The Kiwi was bailed a few hours after the incident but was reportedly taken to a psychiatric hospital to get his head checked-out.
The assaults began when a man, who had been walking from his car to engineering firm TWL, was attacked on the road.
A company spokesman said the skirmish was unprovoked and added that the victim had left his vehicle in the company car park and was going to start his shift when attacked.
The spokesman said the victims suffered a broken nose, knocked out front teeth and other severe oral problems. He had to be spend a night in hospital.
Reports claim the second man escaped with minor injuries but Whatuira was bleeding after rucking with the police.
Richard Thewlis, managing director of Huddersfield Giants said that the rugby star and his family had the medical support of the club.
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