Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Tom Tuite

Ex-Celtic striker Anthony Stokes' headbutting case dropped after alleged victim refused to turn up

Footballer Anthony Stokes had his prosecution for headbutting a man dropped after the alleged victim refused to turn up.

The 33-year-old former Celtic and Ireland striker had claimed he acted in self-defence.

He was accused of assault causing harm to Fraser Spratt at Fitzgerald’s pub on Aston Quay, in Dublin, on March 16, 2019, which he denied.

Stokes was present but Judge John Hughes heard the man was reluctant to travel over from the UK for the hearing, expected to last a day.

Judge Hughes struck out the case.

In Irish law, that means that the prosecution is halted but the authorities can return to the case at a later date if new evidence does emerge.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.