Ireland Case No. 15397Assault · Co. Laois · 30 Sep 2023
Hurling umpire accused of assaulting teen in Coolrain, Laois
Martin Bennett, 49, of Windsor, Coolrain, Mountrath, an umpire at a hurling match, is accused of assaulting a 14-year-old at Camross GAA Pitch, Coolrain, Laois, on 30 September 2023. The alleged victim is now 16. Bennett appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where the defence said the charge was assault rather than assault causing harm and that a hearing date would be needed. The case was adjourned to Tullamore District Court on 27 November to fix a hearing date, and the accused does not have to attend that date.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court22 Nov
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- An umpire at a hurling match is accused of assaulting a teenager.
- The alleged victim was 14 at the time and is now 16.
- Other details
- Martin Bennett, aged 49, of Windsor, Coolrain, Mountrath, is the accused.
- It would be alleged that the accused had a hat slapped off his head.
- Where
- The alleged assault took place at Camross GAA Pitch, Coolrain, Laois.
- When
- The alleged assault took place on 30 September 2023.
- Cause
- It is alleged that a child was put in a headlock and knocked to the ground by an adult.
- Charges
- Martin Bennett is accused of assault, not assault causing harm, according to the defence.
- In court
- The accused appeared before Portlaoise District Court.
- Defence solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said a hearing date would be required.
- The defence argued the case could be dealt with in the District Court because it was an alleged assault rather than assault causing harm.
- The judge said she did not believe children should have to give evidence in a courtroom.
- The case was adjourned to Tullamore District Court on 27 November to fix a hearing date, and the defendant did not need to attend on that date.
- Investigation
- Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Tullamore District Court might suit the case because it was equipped for children to give evidence remotely.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe accused was an umpire at a hurling match. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe alleged victim was a teenager, now 16. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe alleged victim was 14 at the time of the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe alleged assault took place at Camross GAA Pitch, Coolrain. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe alleged assault took place on 30 September 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeMartin Bennett is accused of assault. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe defence solicitor said a hearing date would be required for the case. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe defence argued the matter could be dealt with in the District Court because the case involved an alleged assault rather than assault causing harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtA garda sergeant said Tullamore District Court might be more suitable because it was equipped for children to give evidence remotely. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge said she did not believe children should have to give evidence in a courtroom. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to Tullamore District Court on 27 November to fix a hearing date. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe defendant did not need to attend court on the adjournment date. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherIt is alleged that a child was put in a headlock and knocked to the ground by an adult. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherIt would be alleged that the accused had a hat slapped off his head. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 22 Nov2024Hurling match umpire accused of assaulting teen in Laois
Court appearance for an alleged assault on a 14-year-old at a hurling match. No existing case in the list matches this incident (Camross, Coolrain, September 2023). Adds the court adjournment and the alleged details of the incident.
accused, Martin Bennett, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Bennettvictim, 14