Car owner unimpressed by Howlett - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Car owner unimpressed by Howlett

14/10/2007 06:02:25 AM Comments (0)

All Black rugby winger Doug Howlett's "little bit of tomfoolery" is set to cost thousands of dollars in car repairs.

Howlett was arrested when he was seen jumping on two cars parked at the Hilton Hotel at Heathrow Airport after drinking on Tuesday night with seven other All Blacks and nine team management.

The owner of one car, a BMW 3-series, expected to present a quote for repairs to the bonnet, roof and boot to New Zealand Rugby Union lawyers in London on Monday, The Sunday Star-Times reported.

The car owner, David Poole, a human resources manager, told the newspaper he had unsuccessfully tried to contact Howlett via email.

"I've seen his internet apology to the public but I think it's a shame he hasn't contacted the people whose cars he damaged," said Poole.

Poole said he did not initially notice the damage to his car but after being contacted by police found the boot and bonnet dented and the roof "badly caved in".

He is hoping the NZRU, or Howlett, will fund the full cost of the repairs.

Howlett's lawyer David Jones said he was optimistic the winger would not be prosecuted over an incident Howlett described as "tomfoolery".

Jones hoped police would see Howlett's behaviour as stupid and that he would be let off with a caution.

"If they look at it sensibly it was boys out drinking being silly, doing things they normally wouldn't do," Jones said.

Howlett, 29, had been staying at the hotel with a group of fellow All Blacks and NZRU management.

A humbled Howlett released a video statement this week apologising to his friends, family, the New Zealand public, rugby fans and fellow All Blacks.

"I'm embarrassed that the events of one evening have led to me being in this situation. It was a little bit of tomfoolery that has caused me to be here," he said.

He apologised to the "people back home", his family and friends, the New Zealand public and fans, and his teammates.

Howlett, who is due to take up a two and a half year role with Irish club Munster in January, is continuing to travel with his fiancee and three-month-old son for the next couple of weeks.

He has to report to the British police on an unspecified date later this month.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand said Howlett would face an NZRU "disciplinary process" once the police investigation was completed.

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