Courts / Kildare / Report

Soccer player avoids jail term for head-butting opponent and breaking his nose

Summary

Padraig Seery, 27, a Castle Celtic footballer, was charged with assault after head‑butting Leixlip Town captain Mark Coyne during a United Churches Football League match. Seery first kicked Coyne's ankle and then head‑butted him, causing a broken nose that required surgery. The referee issued a red card and the incident was witnessed by several Leixlip players who described it as unprovoked. Seery pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan suspended an 18‑month jail sentence and ordered Seery to pay €5,000 to Coyne. Seery had offered the payment as a token of remorse and an apology. Coyne accepted the payment, though he had not yet paid for his operation. Seery had previously sought anger‑management counselling and legal advice. The case was heard in February 2012 and concluded with the suspended sentence and financial penalty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Soccer player avoids jail term for head-butting opponent and breaking his nose. Charges or matters: assaulting Mr Coyne causing him harm at Barnhall, Leixlip, on February 18, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 18, 2012 Incident
• May 16, 2012 Incident
• 2015-01-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report