Ireland’s Jeff Hendrick charged with violent disorder

Republic of Ireland soccer star Jeff Hendrick appeared in court on Tuesday after he was charged over an alleged row on a Dublin street in 2013.

The 23-year-old played in Monday's night's UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia and set up Jonathan Walters' 69th-minute winning goal to help the Irish team take third place in group D of the campaign.

However, on Tuesday afternoon he had to go Pearse St Garda station in Dublin for the purpose of being arrested and charged.

Hendrick, who is originally from Coolock in Dublin but now based in England where he plays midfield for Derby County, is accused of violent disorder at Harcourt Street in the city centre on October 12th, 2013.

He was brought to appear before Judge Anthony Halpin at a late sitting of Dublin District Court.

Garda Damian Beakey told Judge Halpin the midfielder was arrested at 3.28am and 18 minutes later the charge was put to him by the station sergeant.

“He had no reply to the charge after caution and was given a true copy of the charge,” Garda Beakey said, adding that there was no objection to bail.

Judge Halpin heard the DPP had decided the case should be dealt by way of “summary disposal”, meaning the case should be dealt with at district court level and not sent forward to the circuit court which can impose lengthier sentences.

The facts of the case were not presented but Garda Beakey said there were no injuries during the alleged incident and Judge Halpin agreed to accept jurisdiction. The prosecuting garda said disclosure of evidence would be provided and that a co-defendant was due to appear in the district court on October 20th next.

Judge Halpin remanded him on bail in his own bond of €200 and adjourned the case until that date adding that it will be listed for a plea to be entered.

The footballer, who recently scooped the FAI 2015 Young International Player of the Year Award, sat silently throughout the brief proceedings and has not yet entered a plea. His solicitor addressed the court on his behalf and informed Judge Halpin that Mr Hendrick is a professional footballer who represented Ireland on Monday night and plays football in the UK.

The 23-year-old was excused from having to attend court on the next date because he has a match on the following day.

The charge, under the public order act, involves an allegation of the use of, or the threat of violence, which could cause a person to fear for their safety.