Striker David Healy accused of assault

FOOTBALLER David Healy has been accused of assault, Belfast Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old striker, did not attend the hearing for his first appearance on the charge.

Healy, who scored 34 international goals, is accused of assaulting James Geroid Crossan on 26 May, 2012.

His defence solicitor Richard McConkey requested a two week adjournment for the case.

District Judge Ken Nixon said the case would be listed again in a fortnight’s time.

The charge relates to an alleged incident in Chichester Street, Belfast city centre.

It is alleged that Healy headbutted North Befast man Conor Crossan, breaking his nose.

At the time of the incident, Mr Crossan claimed he and some friends had spotted the footballer in the Chichester Street area and his friend asked Healy to pose for a photograph, which he did.

However, Mr Crossan claimed to police that the footballer then approached the group and headbutted Mr Crossan.

Healy, from Castleview Terrace, Killyleagh in Co Down, currently plays for English first division side Bury.

In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for services to football and the community and scored 13 goals in the qualifying competition for that year’s European Championship – the highest total in the competition’s history.

Healy, who came through Manchester United’s youth system, has also played for Leeds United, Fulham, Sunderland and Rangers.