27 Jan 2010

Lawsuit filed against former All Black in Fiji

8:46 pm on 27 January 2010

A lawsuit has been filed against former All Black Robin Brooke in Fiji alleging assault.

The action, filed in the High Court, relates to an incident at Denerau Island resort on New Year's Day.

Jordan Whittaker, 17, claims he was assaulted by Mr Brooke at the resort after he intervened on behalf of a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly being sexually harassed by Mr Brooke.

Mr Brooke's lawyer Rachael Adams says the lawsuit claims more than $200,000 in compensation for the alleged assault, plus legal fees.

Ms Adams says Mr Brooke has made himself freely available to the authorities but is unable to comment publicly.

She says Mr Brooke is distressed by the court action and will defend the charge.

The father of the claimant, Brett Whittaker, has told Radio New Zealand News that the legal action is not about money and the family just wants an apology.