Rugby Player Ordered to Sex Offenders Register for Nightclub Assault

A rugby league athlete has been mandated to register as a sex offender following an incident where he groped a woman at a nightclub. During proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, it was revealed that Dion Aiye approached the woman within a bar setting, encircling her body with his arms before touching her breasts. Aiye, aged 37, faced suspension from his club, Whitehaven, and was subsequently dismissed after he pleaded guilty to a sexual assault charge last month. The incident took place at Shakers, a venue in the town, in May. This occurred only weeks after he had received a community order for an assault on his former partner and for harassment. Prosecutor Gerard Richardson informed the Carlisle court that Aiye was readily identifiable following the nightclub assault, which occurred at 01:00 GMT, “as he was wearing a pink cowboy hat and a T-shirt”. A friend observed the woman appearing “somewhat shaken” in the aftermath of the event, leading to door staff being notified. Mr Richardson stated, “She had never experienced anything like this before.” Furthermore, she felt apprehensive about encountering Aiye again, given his status as “quite a public figure, playing for the town’s rugby league team.” Marion Weir, representing Aiye, who resides at Richmond Terrace, Whitehaven, noted that he has not committed any additional offenses since May. She informed the court, “It was a relatively short-lived incident when the complainant, the victim, turned around and asked him to stop. He did so. That was the end of the matter.” Ms. Weir added, “He was put out of the premises. From his point of view, this was a stupid decision, made in drink, which he bitterly regrets. He clearly appreciates the impact on the victim has been significant.” Aiye, a national of Papua New Guinea, was awaiting the court’s decision to determine the status of his UK entry visa. Ms Weir indicated that his future in rugby was “in peril.” Judge Michael Fanning, when issuing an 18-month community order, stated that Aiye’s conduct likely stemmed from “a sense of entitlement.” He further commented, “I don’t know whether it is because you are a sportsman or whether it is because you were in drink.” In addition to completing 200 hours of community service, Aiye is required to sign the sex offenders register for a period of five years.