Doorman told ‘you have two seconds to move’, trial hears

FORMER world boxing champion Steve Collins is alleged to have told a security man “you have two seconds to move” and threatened to put his teeth on the floor, the first day of his trial heard.

Collins is accused of punching a security man because he would not allow him entry to the National Boxing Stadium without valid accreditation.

Collins has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Adrialik Voda in Dublin, on June 3, 2006.

Opening the case at the Circuit Criminal Court, junior counsel for the prosecution, Sean Gillane, said Voda was employed to check passes at the boxing event.

Dubliner Bernard Dunne was fighting in one of the bouts, which had attracted attention from the general public and media.

The doorman was assigned to a side gate where VIPs and properly accredited media gained access.

“Mr Voda was instructed that no one could gain access without a relevant valid pass,” said Mr Gillane.

“It appears as Mr Voda was standing at the door a man approached him and sought to walk through the door.

“As instructed, he asked to see the man’s pass and the man said ‘do you know my name?’.

“Mr Voda said ‘I do not know your name’ and at that stage was pushed.” The court heard Mr Voda continued to block the door and asked the man to calm down.

“F**k you and your f**king door,” it is alleged Collins replied.

It is claimed Collins then said to the doorman “you have two seconds to move” and threatened to put his teeth on the floor and at that stage he would know the man’s name.

“After that, Mr Voda was told his two seconds were up and was punched,” Mr Gillane alleged.

“He was hit underneath the chin causing a fracture to two teeth.”

The prosecutor said evidence would establish the man seeking entry at the time was Collins.

Collins, who was known as the Celtic Warrior, was crowned World Super Middleweight Champion following his win over Chris Eubank in 1995.

Dressed in a dark suit, blue shirt, and striped tie, Collins was supported in court by his brother Roddy Collins, a former football manager.

Mr Gillane told the jury that it was the prosecution’s case that what took place at the boxing stadium amounted to assault and undoubtedly caused harm to Mr Voda. He said a complaint was subsequently made to gardaí, who arrested Collins on November 15 2006 for questioning.

Judge Hogan adjourned the case until 11am this morning.