Canberra's NRL fullback Jack Wighton could not remember inflicting serious, unprovoked acts of violence against five men during an alcohol-fuelled, late-night rampage.
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The 25-year-old was handed a two-month suspended jail sentence for the incident in February, when he punched and headbutted random men in Canberra's CBD.
He pleaded guilty in June to two charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, three counts of common assault and one charge of public urination.
In one incident, a victim's head was thrown back by a punch and he hit his head on a glass window.
Wighton told police at the time he didn't remember anything about the incident after celebrating his birthday, but woke up the following day with a "shiner".
When police attended the scene at 3.10am on February 3, the 130-game NRL player responded by saying: "My name is Jack Wighton. You know who I am."
The case was heard in the Galambany Circle Sentencing Court, a specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court within the ACT Magistrates Court.
Wighton told the panel of Aboriginal elders that the incident and subsequent consequences, which included being suspended and fined by the NRL, had greatly affected his partner and two children.
"I wish it didn't happen. If I could take it back, I would," Wighton said.
Former NRL player George Rose, who now works as an indigenous engagement manager with the league, gave evidence on behalf of Wighton.
"I've got a lot of respect for Jack. He sells himself short in the (community) work that he does," Rose said.
A number of other high-profile NRL identities, including Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, submitted written references in support of Wighton.
Wighton gave a brief statement outside of court - without taking questions - where he apologised to his victims and spoke about moving on with his life.
"I'd also like to take the opportunity to apologise to the victims of the incident for any pain I may have caused them and their families," he said.
"There are no excuses for my behaviour. I want to let them know that I'm truly sorry for what happened that night."
He said the offences had also had a big impact on his family and he wanted to apologise to the victims.
"I wish it didn't happen. If I could take it back, I would," he said.
"It was a big muck up on my behalf."
Wighton said he had sought counselling and volunteered to work for the PCYC.
As well as the suspended jail sentence, he also received fines totalling $3500, was convicted on the charges and given a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Magistrate Bernadette Boss warned "a single blow to the head can kill" and said it was fortunate the assaults did not cause more serious damage.
Wighton could play for the Raiders in round one next year after the NRL said they would not impose further sanctions following his sentencing.
The league gave him a 10-game ban and a $30,000 fine after he pleaded guilty.
Australian Associated Press
