Leinster player appears in court over alleged assault

Alan Spicer, 21, is accused of assault causing harm to a woman at Copper Face Jacks, located in the Jackson Court Hotel on Harcourt Street, on March 1.

The second row, who stands at 6ft 10in and has represented Ireland at under-20 level as well as UCD and Leinster, has not yet entered a plea. The charge falls under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The court heard that Mr Spicer was arrested at the nightclub in the early hours of March 1, at approximately 4:05am, by Garda Ronan Molloy of Pearse Street station. He was later taken to a Garda (police) station, where he made no reply when the charge was put to him.

He was subsequently charged and granted station bail to appear before Dublin District Court.

During a brief hearing, no details of the alleged incident were outlined. Judge Treasa Kelly noted that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are still pending, and the prosecution requested an adjournment.

The judge remanded Mr Spicer on continuing bail, with the case due to return to court on May 27. It has not yet been determined whether the matter will remain before the District Court or be sent forward to the Circuit Court, which carries broader sentencing powers upon conviction.

Mr Spicer, who was dressed in a navy top, dark chinos and brown shoes, did not give evidence during the hearing but stepped forward when his case was called.

Defence solicitor Colleen Gildernew told the court that it was not necessary at this stage to request a summary of Garda evidence, adding that disclosure would be sought once the DPP issues directions.

As the case was adjourned, Mr Spicer thanked the judge.