Two men fined for attack on Ryder

TWO New Zealand men who were involved in a bar fight that left former Black Cap Jesse Ryder in an induced coma were handed non-custodial sentences yesterday.

Ryder was injured after an altercation outside a Christchurch pub in March 2013, spending six days in hospital before eventually resuming his cricket career seven months later.

Craig O’Neill was fined NZ$3 000 (R27 000) and sentenced to 250 hours community work, while his nephew, Dylan O’Neill, was fined NZ$250 (R2 250).

Craig O’Neill, 39, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure, with Dylan O’Neill, 22, admitting a charge of common assault.

The fight occurred after Ryder accepted several rounds of drinks from bar patrons and was taunted for not buying any in return.

The batsman said he had moved on from the incident. – AFP