A Cumbrian rugby league player has appeared in court charged with assaulting a woman and intending to pervert the course of justice.

Jessie Joe Parker, 36, faces charges of assault by beating and committing an act with intent to pervert the course of public justice.

Parker, who recently retired from Whitehaven Rugby League, did not enter pleas when he appeared at Workington Magistrates’ Court today.

MORE FROM COURT: Man knocks on neighbour's door brandishing a golf club - after row over music volume

He is accused of assaulting the woman and sending her a text message, which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Whitehaven on February 6.

The case was not deemed suitable to be heard in the magistrates’ court and was sent to Carlisle Crown Court.

Parker, of Solomon Court, Whitehaven, was granted bail until his next court appearance on September 19.

In the meantime, he must not contact the alleged victim or go to a named address.

MORE FROM COURT: Man threatened to 'knock landlady's head off' at pub in Whitehaven