A footballer who fractured an opponent’s nose during a match received a suspended jail sentence for assault at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.
Ballinacor captain Christopher Kennedy (26), Rathdrum, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ronan Keddy, Kilcoole, during a division two league match at Ballinacor in May 2010.
Garda Sgt Mary Burbage said Mr Kennedy had stopped to catch his breath when he got a nudge in the back, looked around and got a punch in the nose. Mr Keddy was lying on the ground pumping blood.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Keddy said he had received abuse from other players after he had reported the matter to gardaí.
He said he was happy with the sincere apology he received from Kennedy. Judge Michael O’Shea suspended the 18-month jail sentence.