Leinster rugby player in court over alleged assault on woman at Copper Face Jacks

Tom Tuite

A Leinster rugby player has appeared in court accused of assaulting a woman at a popular Dublin nightclub.

Alan Spicer, 21, of Swords Road, Malahide, Dublin, was charged with assault causing harm to the named female at Copper Face Jacks, Jackson Court Hotel, Harcourt Street, on March 1 last.

The six-foot-ten second row, who has represented Ireland under-20s, UCD and Leinster, has yet to enter a plea to the charge, which is under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

He had been arrested in the early hours of that morning, charged and granted station bail to appear at Dublin District Court on Thursday.

Garda Ronan Molloy, from Pearse Street station, said the accused was arrested at the nightclub at 4.05 am and taken to the station where he "made no reply" when the charge was put to him.

It has yet to be confirmed whether the case will be heard at the District Court level or sent forward to the Circuit Court, which, on conviction, has wider sentencing powers.

Judge Treasa Kelly noted that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have yet to be obtained, and the garda sought an adjournment.

Judge Kelly remanded him on continuing bail to appear again on May 27

Dressed in a navy top, dark blue chinos and brown shoes, he has yet to enter a plea. He stepped forward when his case was called, but was not required to give evidence. No facts regarding the alleged incident were given during the brief hearing.

Mr Spicer thanked the judge as the case was adjourned.

Defence solicitor Colleen Gildernew said it was not necessary to order that a summary of garda evidence be handed over at this stage. She added that disclosure will be sought once the DPP's directions are available.