Jury in Dublin football player assault case still considering verdict
The jury in the trial of a former Dublin football player accused of breaking an off-duty garda's jaw during a football match has retired for the day having failed to reach a verdict.
Brendan McManamon (31) of Cypress Downs, Templeogue has pleaded not guilty to the assault on former Longford player Garda Enda Ledwith at Na Fianna GAA Club, St Mobhi Road, Glasnevin on March 31, 2012.
The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial has heard that Gda Ledwith’s jaw was broken during the last ten minutes of a match between Na Fianna and St Jude’s of Templeogue.
Gda Ledwith was playing for the home team, while the accused was with St Jude’s.
Mr McManamon has given evidence in the trial and has claimed he was reacting to his opponent hitting him in his testicles first.
The court heard that Gda Ledwith spent three days in hospital for his fractured jaw and had three metal plates inserted during surgery.
The jury of jury of nine men and three women had been considering its verdict for just under an hour before Judge Patricia Ryan sent them home for the evening. They will return tomorrow to resume their deliberations.
