Limerick manager acts as character witness for Kyle Hayes as sentencing adjourned

Kyle Hayes leaving court after the case was adjourned. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

A sentencing hearing for All-Ireland winning Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes has heard the case will be adjourned until March 20.

Hayes, 25, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, Co Limerick, had pleaded not guilty to two violent disorder charges and one charge of assault causing harm to Cillian McCarthy, 24.

Mr McCarthy suffered a fractured eye socket during a violent disorder incident involving Hayes.

Hayes was convicted by a jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court last December of violent disorder inside the Icon nightclub in Limerick.

But Hayes was found not guilty of assault.

Violent disorder, which is contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, carries a sentence of a fine and/or a prison sentence not exceeding 10 years.

Multiple character witnesses were read in support of Mr Hayes.

Limerick hurling manager John Kiely at the courthouse today. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Limerick manager John Kiely told the court that seeing CCTV footage of Mr Hayes that night was “a disappointing sight” but he defended Hayes, who he said he has known and seen almost daily for some seven years.

He said that Hayes accepted responsibility for his part in events that night when he was ”a 19-year-old lad”. Mr Hayes had “already paid a very high price” for events that night, Mr Kiely said.

But prosecution counsel, John O’Sullivan, BL, said that he was “at a loss” as to how Mr Hayes accepted responsibility for events that night when he had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Judge Dermot Sheehan adjourned sentencing Hayes until March 20.