GAA player from Mayo freed on appeal

A GAA player jailed for assaulting an opponent in a match between two Mayo football clubs, has walked free from prison following a successful appeal.

Michael Prendergast, aged 35, of Leicnin Village, Castlebar, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Jonathan Clarke during a match in Ballindine, Co Mayo, on September 14, 2013.

He was sentenced to two years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended by Judge Rory McCabe on October 16. Prendergast appealed his sentence yesterday on grounds that the sentencing judge operated on the injured party’s version of events rather than the referee’s match report.