LIMERICK, IRELAND – All-star Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes was recently spared jail time as he received suspended sentences for his involvement in a violent incident inside and outside a nightclub. The court found him guilty of dangerous violent disorder, wherein he attacked a young carpenter, resulting in serious facial injuries.
Hayes, a five-time All-Ireland hurler, was accompanied by his barrister, Brian McInerney SC, as he was granted a fully suspended two-year sentence for the disorder outside the nightclub, and an 18-month suspended sentence for the incident inside the establishment. Despite denying the charges, Hayes was convicted by a jury.
Judge Dermot Sheehan, recognizing Hayes’ position in the community and the support he received from Limerick hurling manager John Kiely, opted for a suspended sentence, deeming an immediate custodial sentence unnecessary. However, the judge emphasized the significance and danger of the violence displayed by Hayes during the altercation.
The violent episode resulted in the victim, Cillian McCarthy, suffering trauma, undergoing surgery for a fractured eye socket, and facing loss of earnings due to his injuries. Judge Sheehan ordered Hayes to pay €10,000 in compensation to McCarthy, highlighting the severity of the harm caused.
During the trial, it was revealed that Hayes aggressively confronted McCarthy and a friend inside the bar, leading to a physical altercation that escalated outside the club. Despite being acquitted of assault causing harm to McCarthy, Hayes’ role as the instigator of the violence was established, prompting the judge to address his culpability in the events of the night.
Despite Hayes’ positive attributes as a sportsperson and charity supporter, the judge underscored the dangerous nature of kicking a person on the ground and the threatening behavior displayed by Hayes and others towards McCarthy. The emotional and physical toll experienced by McCarthy was outlined in court, expressing the lasting impact of the incident on his life.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to impose suspended sentences on Hayes serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent behavior and the importance of accountability in such situations. The incident, while regrettable, sheds light on the need for responsible actions and respect for others in all circumstances. Hayes’ actions and their aftermath stand as a cautionary tale against the escalation of conflicts and the lasting impact they can have on individuals involved.