LIMERICK, IRELAND – All-Star Limerick hurler, Kyle Hayes, has avoided a jail sentence after being convicted for his involvement in a “dangerous” violent disorder incident inside and outside a nightclub. Hayes, a five-time All-Ireland hurling champion, faced charges related to an altercation where a young carpenter sustained severe facial injuries.
Following his convictions, Hayes was handed fully suspended jail sentences by the court. Despite the seriousness of the offenses, his barrister reassured him that he would not be going to prison. This leniency was influenced by Limerick hurling manager John Kiely, who vouched for Hayes’s character and urged the judge to give him a chance.
While Hayes had denied the charges of violent disorder, a jury found him guilty, leading to the imposition of suspended sentences. The court ordered Hayes to pay €10,000 in compensation to the victim, Cillian McCarthy, who suffered physical and financial harm due to the incident.
The judge highlighted the gravity of Hayes’s actions, describing the violence as significant and dangerous. Despite being acquitted of assaulting McCarthy, Hayes was deemed to have played a central role in the events that led to the victim’s injuries.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Hayes had acted aggressively towards McCarthy and his friend, escalating into physical violence inside and outside the nightclub. The court emphasized Hayes’s culpability in the incident, noting his lack of remorse and recollection of the events.
McCarthy, the victim, recounted the trauma he experienced as a result of the assault, expressing fear and anxiety about going out at night and the impact on his work. While Hayes remained silent in court, McCarthy expressed relief at the prospect of moving on from the ordeal.
In the aftermath of the sentencing, Hayes chose not to comment to the press, while McCarthy voiced his desire to put the incident behind him. The court’s decision to suspend the jail sentences highlighted the complexities of the case and the need to address the consequences of violent behavior.