Post by Sooz on Jul 22, 2006 10:07:00 GMT -1
Wales footballer Craig Bellamy's assault trial could clash with an important international fixture, a court heard today.
The Liverpool and Wales striker may have to appear before Cardiff Magistrates' court on October 11 accused of common assault of two women in a nightclub.
On the evening of October 11, Wales face Cyprus at the Millennium Stadium in a qualifying match for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament.
The 27-year-old footballer, who is alleged to have assaulted Holly Smith and Sophie Palmer during an incident at the No 10 nightclub in Cardiff on February 5 of this year, was due to stand trial at the end of August.
The trial, which could last up to three days, had to be put back as some prosecution witnesses were unavailable.
The case has now been earmarked to begin on October 10 by District Judge Gerwyn Watkins although efforts are now being made to contact witnesses to see if they are free before that date to avoid a clash with the Cyprus game.
Bellamy's solicitor Matthew De Maid said: "I'm keen to have the trial heard in early October to assist Mr Bellamy to fulfil his professional commitments."
He added: "It would not be ideal for my client or the supporters in this country if he had to attend court in the daytime and play in the evening."
Outside court, Mr De Maid said: "Mr Bellamy is very keen to play in that match."
Another hearing will take place on August 11 to determine the trial date.
Bellamy, who denies the charges, was not in court today.
A second man, Franklin Lynch, 52, of Glan-y-Mor, Barry, South Wales, also denies common assault on Sophie Palmer.
A spokeswoman for the Football Association of Wales said: ``We will endeavour to do everything in our power to make sure that Craig is available for selection for the Cyprus game.
"He is a key player but obviously there are some things that are outside our hands.
"It's not an ideal situation, but that's life."
The Liverpool and Wales striker may have to appear before Cardiff Magistrates' court on October 11 accused of common assault of two women in a nightclub.
On the evening of October 11, Wales face Cyprus at the Millennium Stadium in a qualifying match for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament.
The 27-year-old footballer, who is alleged to have assaulted Holly Smith and Sophie Palmer during an incident at the No 10 nightclub in Cardiff on February 5 of this year, was due to stand trial at the end of August.
The trial, which could last up to three days, had to be put back as some prosecution witnesses were unavailable.
The case has now been earmarked to begin on October 10 by District Judge Gerwyn Watkins although efforts are now being made to contact witnesses to see if they are free before that date to avoid a clash with the Cyprus game.
Bellamy's solicitor Matthew De Maid said: "I'm keen to have the trial heard in early October to assist Mr Bellamy to fulfil his professional commitments."
He added: "It would not be ideal for my client or the supporters in this country if he had to attend court in the daytime and play in the evening."
Outside court, Mr De Maid said: "Mr Bellamy is very keen to play in that match."
Another hearing will take place on August 11 to determine the trial date.
Bellamy, who denies the charges, was not in court today.
A second man, Franklin Lynch, 52, of Glan-y-Mor, Barry, South Wales, also denies common assault on Sophie Palmer.
A spokeswoman for the Football Association of Wales said: ``We will endeavour to do everything in our power to make sure that Craig is available for selection for the Cyprus game.
"He is a key player but obviously there are some things that are outside our hands.
"It's not an ideal situation, but that's life."
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