Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes to be sentenced for violent disorder in New Year

FOUR-TIME All-Star hurler Kyle Hayes will be sentenced in the New Year after he was found guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court of two violent disorder charges.

The jury of seven men and five women returned unanimous verdicts on all four counts before them after more than three hours of deliberations, this Friday afternoon.

A co-accused - Craig Cosgrave, aged 24, of Caherelly, Grange, Limerick - was found not guilty of engaging in violent disorder in the Icon nightclub in Limerick city centre. He was discharged by Judge Dermot Sheehan after the verdicts were handed down.

On the ninth day of the trial, Mr Hayes, aged 25, of Ballyoshea, Kildimo was found guilty of engaging in violent disorder in the Icon nightclub in Limerick city centre and of engaging in violent disorder at Upper Denmark Street on October 28, 2019.

The jury found Mr Hayes not guilty of assault causing harm to Cillian McCarthy, aged 24, at Upper Denmark Street, Limerick city on the same date. 

There was no reaction from Mr Hayes as the verdicts were read out shortly after 4pm.

Throughout the trial, Mr Cosgrave was defended by Seamus Roche SC, appearing with Reginald Garrett BL, instructed by solicitor Kieran O’Brien. Mr Hayes was represented by Brian McInerney SC, appearing with Joseph McMahon BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan.

The case was prosecuted by John O'Sullivan BL, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe.

Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes cleared of assault; guilty of engaging in violent disorder

After the verdicts were delivered, Judge Dermot Sheehan said the violent disorder charges are serious matters.

"He was involved in a chaotic scene in Upper Denmark Street and engaging in violent disorder in a crowded place (Icon nightclub) is an aggravating factor. It is an extremely dangerous thing to do. Matters of this nature are not normally dealt with in a non-custodial sentence," he said..

Mr McInerney asked for a date for sentencing.

"He has been on bail for the last four years. There has never been a breach of bail. He has been outside the jurisdiction with no issue. He is not a flight risk.

"He is deeply rooted in the community. He has a sporting involvement at a very high level," said Mr McInerney, who added that he would like time to collate testimonials from witnesses who may wish to give them.

Mr O'Sullivan, prosecuting, said there was no objection to bail subject to a number of conditions which were outlined to the court.

Judge Sheehan granted Mr Hayes bail on his own bond of €100. He must keep the peace, be of good behaviour, not commit any offences, hand over his passport forthwith and obey a curfew between 10.30pm and 6am at Ballyoshea, Kildimo.

The judge said he was imposing a curfew due to the nature of the offences and the time of the year. He said the fact he was granting bail should not be interpreted as an indication as to how he is going to dispose of the matter.

Mr Hayes will be sentenced for the two violent disorder charges on January 19, next.