Hull KR full-back Ben Cockayne has escaped a prison sentence but could still face a Rugby Football League ban for committing an "appalling" assault.

The 25-year-old was spared jail after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm to Kiel Thompson in Normanton, West Yorkshire, in November 2007.

Judge Alistair McCallum, sentencing the player at Leeds Crown Court, handed Cockayne a 51-week jail term suspended for two years and 240 hours of community service. He also ordered him to pay £250 in compensation to Mr Thompson and £500 in costs.

The RFL, who have the power to de-register the player, have strongly condemned the "unacceptable" behaviour of Cockayne and are now considering whether to impose sanctions themselves.

A statement read: "The RFL regards this type of behaviour as totally unacceptable and unreservedly condemns any violent behaviour or public disorder carried out by anybody associated with rugby league.

"In accordance with the sport's operational rules, the case of Ben Cockayne will be referred to the RFL compliance department in the light of the sentence handed down to him by the courts in order to consider what action needs to be taken against him and whether any further sanction is necessary.

"The RFL does not believe there is any evidence to suggest that such behaviour is widespread within the sport.

"In fact, the vast majority of rugby league players at all levels are highly disciplined and make a positive contribution to their communities.

"The RFL will make any further statements in relation to this case if and when appropriate."

Cases of de-registering players are rare but there is a recent precedent in Australia where the NRL took such a measure against Todd Carney, banning him from playing in their competition until 2010.

Hull KR, who handed Cockayne a new three-year contract last August, also issued a short statement following the sentencing.

It read: "As a club we take the court's decision and Ben's sentence very seriously.

"We intend to meet with Ben and his representatives to discuss this outcome, so we are not in the position to offer further comment until this meeting has taken place."

Mr Thompson suffered swelling and bruising to his face, grazes to the body and bruised ribs after the attack by Cockayne and fellow defendant Steven Hayward.

Cockayne and Hayward, 20, a part-time player with Castleford's reserve team, were caught on CCTV aiming kicks at Mr Thompson after an argument broke out in a local pub.

Judge McCallum told the defendants, who served three nights in custody before being sentenced: "Both of you have had the opportunity to see the CCTV.

"Both of you have had the opportunity to see what it is like to actually be in the prison system."

He asked both if they had enjoyed their time on remand, to which they answered: "No".

"This sort of behaviour normally draws a prison sentence and it has to draw a prison sentence regardless of who you are, regardless of how well you have behaved in the past," Judge McCallum added.

"Because it is a message we have to send out, especially to our young people, the sort of people attracted to people like yourself, both of you.

"In this case a prison sentence is necessary but in both cases I will tell you straight away I am going to suspend [them]."

Judge McCallum told Hayward there was a "difference in culpability" between Cockayne and himself.

He sentenced him to six months in prison suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 180 hours of community service.

Hayward was also instructed to pay £250 in compensation to Mr Thompson and £500 in costs.