BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Whitehaven RLFC have refused to comment or confirm if any action has been taken against club captain Dion Aiye after the Papua New Guinean admitted to beating and harassing a woman.
Aiye admitted to assaulting his ex-partner and yesterday was sentenced to an 18-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 240 hours of unpaid work.
Yesterday Whitehaven posted this on X: “The club can acknowledge the sentencing of Dion Aiye following a recent court case. The club alongside Dion respect the decision of the judge and we will be making no further comment at this time.”
rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads have contacted the club with a series of questions about the case and Aiye, and the Championship side has declined to comment.
It is believed no action has been taken against the 36-year-old by the club.
He remains captain of the Cumbrian team and could play against Swinton in the season opener this weekend.
The RFL has told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that Aiye has already been found guilty of misconduct as a result of being convicted of a criminal offence.
He will now face an Operational Rules tribunal on Tuesday, March 19, to determine his sanction by the RFL.
According to The Whitehaven News, Aiye kicked his former girlfriend in the stomach and held her by the throat, leaving her in fear for her life.
His former partner said Aiye had criticised how she looked after her daughter and sent her abusive messages, telling her to commit suicide.
The forward was described as an “entitled bully” by Judge Guy Mathieson who believes women are there to “do his bidding”.
“If they don’t come up to the standards you set, there are consequences. This is about you getting what you want,” Mathieson said.
He was given a five-year restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim or her daughter by any means or going to an address where they are present.
Aiye started his career in his native Papua New Guinea and joined Haven in 2015.
A halfback or loose forward, he has made over 120 appearances for the club and also played 10 tests for the Kumuls.
In May 2022 Aiye signed a new deal with Haven, extending his contract until the end of 2025.
In February this year, with his court case set, the club made him club captain for the 2024 season.
Last year the forward was named as the supporters player of the year.
In March 2023 Aiye was set to stand trial after originally pleading not guilty to assault.
