Hardy Buck to stand trial in May

A 30-year-old actor from Swinford, County Mayo has pleaded not guilty to two assault charges following an alleged incident at a Dublin public house in October 2012. The man faces two counts of assault causing harm under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. It is alleged that he became involved in an altercation with security staff over a queuing system at the venue and subsequently struck two men. Dublin District Court has scheduled a non-jury trial for May 6th. The judge accepted jurisdiction to hear the case at district level rather than referring it to Circuit Court. The defence has indicated the charges will be contested, and the court has been informed that up to eight prosecution witnesses are expected to give evidence, with substantial CCTV footage to be reviewed. The trial is anticipated to require a full day of hearing.