A WHITEHAVEN Rugby League player has admitted a sexual assault on a woman in a town centre bar.

Dion Aiye, 37, indicated a guilty plea to sexual assault on a female when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Briefly outlining the case, prosecutor Pamela Fee said Aiye had been in a bar in Whitehaven and was stood behind the victim when he placed his hands on her hips.

He then moved his hands up to her stomach and breasts and was ‘moving his hips’ behind her, the court heard.

The victim confronted him and police were called.

Ms Fee said the offence took place while Aiye was subject to a crown court community order and it was therefore appropriate for the crown court to deal with sentencing.

Presiding magistrate Jeff Forster said they felt it was appropriate for the case to be sent to a crown court judge to deal with in the context of the crown court order.

Aiye, of Richmond Terrace, Whitehaven, will be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on December 16.

He was bailed on the condition that he does not have any contact with the victim in the case.

Aiye was convicted of assaulting and harassing his ex-partner earlier this year after Preston Crown Court heard he kicked the woman in the stomach and held her by the throat.

He was given an 18-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 240 hours of unpaid work.

Aiye was suspended from Whitehaven Rugby League in May.