...today's follow up from Dean Ritchie:
When will you learn
By Dean Ritchie
November 20, 2006 12:00
PHOTOGRAPHER is expected to give evidence today that could see St George Illawarra winger Wes Naiqama sacked as an NRL player and jailed for three months.
The Dragons remain furious Naiqama was photographed last week by
The Daily Telegraph driving in Surry Hills while disqualified.
Dragons management has repeatedly told Naiqama about the dire consequences of driving while disqualified but he ignored their advice.
St George Illawarra and police will today investigate the incident, which was exposed in yesterday's
Sunday Telegraph.
Naiqama is banned from driving until 2013 but was caught behind the wheel of a Toyota car with his sometime girlfriend, singer Paulini Curuenavuli.
In a day of drama:
Some Dragons officials want Naiqama axed, others are pushing for him to be given another chance given his tough upbringing. Dragons official and former policeman Craig Young will help with the investigation.
Police will today interview Naiqama and
Daily Telegraph photographer John Grainger.
Grainger will give a statement and be asked whether Naiqama was photographed simply sitting in the driver's seat or whether he was driving.
"He took off at speed when he saw me he was definitely driving," Grainger said.
If charged and convicted, Naiqama could be imprisoned for three months at a low-security jail.
Naiqama, 23, was disqualified last December and fined $2500 at Downing Centre Local Court.
It was his fourth serious driving offence.
Police traffic commander John Hartley said Naiqama could be facing a jail term.
"If there is evidence, we can charge him and he will go before a court," Hartley said.
"It is up to the magistrate but if the alleged offence is proven, there is a good chance he will receive a jail term.
"There are, however, a range of penalties from a fine to a jail term."
St George Illawarra officials ducked for cover yesterday, refusing to return calls from
The Daily Telegraph with club media manager Jo Banning left to deal with the press.
NRL chief executive David Gallop wants to be kept informed over the drama.
"Initially it's a matter for police," Gallop said.
"We will wait for the Dragons to advise us of their position."
In September this year, the Dragons offered Naiqama counselling after he was involved in a public row with sometime girlfriend the singer Paulini.
Naiqama was in a Double Bay establishment when he had an argument with the former Australian Idol contestant and Young Divas star. It was reported he punched a wall during the drama.
The pair had split in July a week after police were called to a late-night dispute between the two outside a city nightclub.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20785476-5006066,00.html
