A WHITEHAVEN rugby player who has played "semi-professionally" has admitted attacking a man at a bar in the town.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, Karl Olstrum, 29, of Ullswater Avenue, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Anthony Dixon.

He did this on the night of December 7 last year.

The court heard that the attack - carried out at the Shakers bar in Duke Street Whitehaven - left the victim with facial fractures.

Defemce barrister Anthony Parkinson said Olstrum was currently unemployed but "seeking work".

"He previously played rugby at a high level semi-professionally," said the barrister.

But Olstrum was not currently playing because of the pandemic and therefore not earning, said Mr Parkinson.

At present, the defendant was depending on the good will of his mother.

Recorder Neville Biddle told the defendant - appearing via a video link from his home - that he was willing to suspend any custodial sentence he may impose for two years.

But Olstrum would have be appear in court.

The Recorder adjourned sentence until Monday, February 15.