Jeff Hendrick faces disorder trial

Republic of Ireland football star Jeff Hendrick will face trial in March over an alleged street row in Dublin.

Mr Hendrick, aged 23, is from Kilmore in north Dublin but is now based in England, where he plays in midfield for Derby County. He is accused of violent disorder at Harcourt St on October 12, 2013. The charge, under the Public Order Act, involves an allegation of the use of, or the threat of violence, which could cause a person to fear for their safety.

His co-accused Jonathan Doran, aged 24, of Kilmore Crescent, Artane, Dublin, is also charged with violent disorder at nearby Montague St but also has an additional charge for assault causing harm to a named man in connection with the same incident.

Lawyers for both men entered not guilty pleas on their behalf yesterday.

Mr Hendrick had been charged in September and his case was adjourned until yesterday. However, he and his co-defendant had been excused from having to attend the latest hearing at Dublin District Court.

Mr Hendrick, who recently scooped the FAI 2015 Young International Player of the Year Award, was represented by Garret Baker BL. Mr Baker told the court that a hearing date was required, meaning the case would be contested. He also said that the non-jury district court trial would take “a minimum of one day”.

Solicitor Philip Hannon, for Mr Doran, confirmed that his client would be seeking a hearing date.

Judge Michael Walsh was furnished with a medical report in relation to the allegation against Mr Horan. Jurisdiction for the case to be kept in the district court has been accepted.

The court heard as many as 24 witnesses could be called by the prosecution and Mr Baker said the number to be called by the defence has yet to be determined but, he added, “it could be several”.

Judge Walsh advised both parties to agree on the number of witnesses that will be required in advance of the trial which will take place on March 15.

At Mr Hendrick’s first court appearance in September, Garda Damian Beakey said the midfielder “ had no reply to the charge after caution and was given a true copy of the charge”.