A RUGBY player has been dismissed from his role with Whitehaven Rugby League after pleading guilty to a sexual assault.

Dion Aiye, 37, indicated a guilty plea to sexual assault on a female when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court today (November 18).

The offence took place at a bar in Whitehaven.

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.

In a statement published today following Aiye’s guilty plea, Whitehaven Rugby League said he had been formally dismissed.

The club previously declined to comment on the case and said this was to avoid prejudice after Aiye told the club he would be pleading not guilty.

The statement said: “After seeking advice from the RFL the club suspended Dion following allegations of sexual assault.

“Dion was bailed to appear at the police station to be charged or released without charge four weeks after the alleged incident. Unfortunately the case kept being deferred with Dion not being formally charged until after the season had finished.

“The club had informed Dion that his contract would be terminated at the end of the season regardless of the outcome.

“Dion informed the Club he would be pleading not guilty,  therefore the Club could not comment until now so as not to prejudice the case.

“Today Dion pleaded guilty to the charges set against him.

“Dion has now been formally dismissed by the club.

“The club would like to acknowledge the fans’ patience during this period of uncertainty.”

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 but Whitehaven Rugby League stood by him and he was named in the Whitehaven squad just days after being sentenced at Preston Crown Court.

He was branded ‘an entitled bully’ by a judge after the court heard Aiye had kicked his former girlfriend in the stomach and held her by the throat, leaving her in fear for her life.