Jury consider verdict in GAA assault trial

The jury in the trial of a former Dublin football player accused of breaking a Longford off-duty garda’s jaw during a football match has retired for the day having failed to reach a verdict.

Brendan McManamon (31) of Cypress Downs, Templeogue has pleaded not guilty to the assault on former Longford player Garda Enda Ledwith at Na Fianna GAA Club, St Mobhi Road, Glasnevin on March 31, 2012.

The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial has heard that Gda Ledwith’s jaw was broken during the last ten minutes of a match between Na Fianna and St Jude’s of Templeogue.

Gda Ledwith was playing for the home team, while the accused was with the visitors, St Jude’s.

Mr McManamon has given evidence in the trial and has claimed he was reacting to his opponent hitting him in his testicles first.

Gda Ledwith, a former Longford player, refuted that allegation by saying: “I wouldn’t stoop so low. I’ve never, ever done that.”

Gda Ledwith said his jaw was fractured in two places during the incident, forcing him to have surgery and get metal plates inserted.

He said he did not file a complaint until he was contacted by gardai and told that Mr McMenamin had made allegations of an assault.

Among the witnesses called during the trial were former Dublin County Manager Paul Caffrey.

The jury of jury of nine men and three women had been considering its verdict for just under an hour before Judge Patricia Ryan sent them home for the evening. They will return tomorrow/today (Tuesday) to resume their deliberations.