Ex-footballer gets suspended sentence for unintentionally causing player's split kidney with 'dangerous tackle'

A former professional footballer who unintentionally caused the split kidney of another player during a five-a-side game has been given a two-and-a-half year suspended sentence.

Petru Pinto (aged 50) of Bellgree Boulevard, Tyrrelstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to reckless assault causing harm at an astroturf pitch in Ellenfield Park, Santry, Dublin, on November 16, 2012.