Courts / Dublin / Report

Former pro footballer admits reckless assault on player

Date
2019-02-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Petru Pinto, a 50‑year‑old former professional footballer from Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to reckless assault causing harm after a five‑a‑side match on 16 November 2012. The incident occurred at Ellenfield Park, Santry, when Pinto, during a heated verbal exchange with Paul Ceusan, ran toward him and jumped with his knees raised. Pinto's knees struck the side of Ceusan's torso, causing Ceusan to fall and suffer a Grade 4 renal injury, commonly called a "split kidney". Ceusan required a stent and has since lost 25 % of kidney function, suffers high blood pressure, incurred €1,350 in medical costs and was unable to work for about 20 weeks. The court heard that the original charge of intentional assault failed to reach a verdict, leading to the amended reckless assault indictment. Pinto, who works as a painter and decorator and has sole custody of his 17‑year‑old son, has prior minor traffic convictions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former pro footballer admits reckless assault on player. Charges or matters: reckless assault causing harm at an astroturf pitch in Ellenfield Park, Santry, Dublin, on November 16, 2012; an amended indictment which stated that the assault had been reckless rather than intentional. Procedural stage: trial

When:

November 16, 2012 Incident
November 30, 2018 Incident
October 8 Adjournment
2019-02-04 Publication

Case subjects

Petru Pinto

Defendant

Charges: reckless assault causing harm at an astroturf pitch in Ellenfield Park, Santry, Dublin, on November 16, 2012; an amended indictment which stated that the assault had been reckless rather than intentional (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She ordered a report from the Probation Service and adjourned the matter for sentencing to October 8, of this year.