NRL star and Tongan international Junior Amone was found guilty of a hammer attack by court but has been able to avoid jail time unlike his father who was also involved.
Amone faced sentencing this week and avoided prison time as the Magistrate made his feelings clear on the subject to the two members of the the Amone family.
“You armed yourself with a hammer, the victims were vulnerable, the victim was up on a roof, there was nowhere to go,” Magistrate Fleming said.
“You are 21 — you are not a child. You have to be responsible for your own behaviour.
“This is a tragedy — this could jeopardise your entire future in the profession you love. This is your tragedy, not mine.”
Junior’s father, Talatau “Dal” Amone, was also found guilty of assault and was sentenced to two years and six months behind bars.
With time already served, he will be eligible for parole in 12 months. Junior was also ordered to undertake 300 hours community service.
The Tongan forward was hit with a number of charges pertaining to an alleged hammer attack near his home at the end of last year.
He was granted bail for a huge sum of $100,000 according to the Canberra Times. This was after he was initially denied bail.
The terms of his bail meant he could not leave his home unless he’s required to attend court, visit his lawyers, fulfil work commitments for his NRL club, attend medical appointments or if there’s a medical emergency.
NSW Police alleged that two tradesmen working at a neighbouring property were confronted by three men armed with hammers.
One of the tradesmen was allegedly pushed off a roof, falling two metres and sustaining injuries to his wrists, arms and hip.
Junior Amone’s father Talatau Amone, 46, was arrested at the scene and has remained in custody since then. Police have circulated images of a third unidentified man.
The charge of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm in company carries a maximum 14-year jail sentence but Amone was able to avoid jail time unlike his father.
Amone was able to feature for St George last year despite the NRL’s stand down policy.
