Hurling match umpire accused of assaulting teen in Laois

An umpire at a hurling match appeared in court accused of assaulting a teenager.

Martin Bennett (49) of Windsor, Coolrain, Mountrath is accused of assault at Camross GAA Pitch, Coolrain on September 30, 2023. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said a hearing date would be required for the case. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he believed Tullamore District Court might be a more suitable venue as it was equipped for children to give evidence remotely. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said that would be in cases where violence had been used. She said the alleged injured party was now 16 and the allegation was one of assault, not assault causing harm. 

She said the incident had occurred during a hurling match where the defendant was an umpire. She said it would be alleged the accused had a hat slapped off his head. 

“I would say the matter can be adequately dealt with in this forum,” she argued. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the decision was at the discretion of the judge. 

Sgt Kirby said “it is the allegation that a child who was 14 at the time was put in a headlock and he was knocked to the ground by an adult.” 

Judge Susan Fay said she didn’t believe children should have to give evidence in a courtroom. 

She adjourned the case to Tullamore District Court on November 27 to fix a date for hearing. Judge Fay said the defendant didn’t need to attend court on that date.