Book of evidence due in Stokes assault case

Republic of Ireland and Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, who is charged with attacking and injuring a man in a Dublin nightclub, is to be served with a book of evidence in two weeks.

The striker has been accused of assaulting Ballyfermot Elvis impersonator Anthony Bradley, 42, during an alleged row about a spilled drink at Buck Whaley’s on Leeson St, on June 8 last year.

At Dublin District Court yesterday, Michael Coghlan remanded the player, in his absence, on continuing bail to appear in two weeks.

Stokes had been excused from attending the proceedings, said Tony Collier, defending. The lawyer confirmed that Detective Garda Des Rogers had been given advance notice that the 25-year-old striker would not present yesterday.

The defence application was for a “remand in absence to July 31 for the book of evidence”, Judge Michael Coghlan heard. He ordered Stokes to appear on the date sought.

It is expected that once prosecutors hand over the book of evidence, the case will be sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Stokes is charged with assault causing harm to Mr Bradley.

The DPP had originally directed “summary disposal”, meaning the district court would be a suitable trial venue. However, during a preliminary hearing on May 29, Judge Conal Gibbons, then presiding, did not agree.

A summary of the allegations and medical reports on the complainant’s injuries had been furnished, leading to his ruling that the case was too serious to be dealt with at district court level.

Stokes now faces a trial before a judge and jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Stokes, who lives at Bellhaven Terrace, Glasgow, has not yet entered a plea.

Det Garda Rogers had earlier told the district court it was alleged that on June 8, 2013, at Buck Whaley’s nightclub, “another unknown individual spilled a drink on the injured party and it is alleged Mr Stokes intervened and head-butted the injured party”.

Stokes met investigating gardaí by appointment on March 6 when the charge was put to him, after which he “made no reply to caution”.