Ex-footballer Jim Magilton accused of assaulting step daughter

Former Northern Ireland international footballer Jim Magilton has appeared in court accused of assaulting his teenage step daughter.

The 47-year-old is accused of one count of common assault on January 7th and told Antrim Magistrates Court that he understood the charge.

Defence solicitor Ferghal MacElhatton asked for a press ban on naming his client, the North's under 21 manager, but District Judge Peter King said his preference was for open justice as it was a physical rather than sexual assault charge.

A PSNI constable said it was the police case that Magilton allegedly hit the 14-year-old “a couple of slaps to the head and allegedly dragged her down the stairs by the arms”.

Mr MacElhatton said Mr Magilton “isn’t accepting the allegations made against him,” that he gave a “full account” during police interviews and that the charge “will be contested in full”.

Judge King freed Mr Magilton on his own bail of £500 but barred him from contacting his alleged victim and from a certain area of Crumlin in Belfast.

The case was adjourned to February 28th but Mr Magilton was excused from attending on that date.

During his playing career Mr Magilton was on the books at clubs such as Liverpool, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich. He earned 52 caps for Northern Ireland and scored five goals.