Ex-rugby star Karl Long found guilty of domestic violence

Karl Long, who played in both codes for Widnes, Sale Sharks, St Helens, London Broncos and Fylde before opening a tanning salon and nail bar in Wigan town centre in 2007, had been accused of the assault and battery of a woman in Up Holland on April 1.

The 37-year-old, of Albion Drive, New Springs, had denied the charge, but at a Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court trial he was convicted of the crime.

Long, who is the brother of former St Helens and Great Britain legend Sean Long, was hit with a curfew which means he will be electronically tagged and not allowed to leave home between 7pm and 7am until May 21 next year.

He must also participate in a 30-day Building Better Relationships programme and has a restraining order placed on him preventing his contacting the woman unless via a solicitor, social services or through the family courts until June 4 2020.

Justices ordered that he pay his victim £100 compensation, an £85 victim surcharge and court costs of £650.