Player held over 'assault deal'

Cockayne and the man he admits assaulting were both arrested

Hull Kingston Rovers player Ben Cockayne has been arrested on suspicion of trying to pervert the course of justice, a court has been told.

The 25-year-old appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced after admitting an assault last year.

Sentence was adjourned, but the court heard he and the alleged victim, Keil Thompson, 21, had been arrested for allegedly trying to negotiate a deal.

The full-back signed a new three-year contract with Hull KR a few days ago.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed to BBC News that a 21-year-old man was arrested in July and a 25-year-old man was arrested earlier this month, both on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.