A former Carlisle United footballer and his dad have appeared in court accused of attacking a doorman.
Kyle Dempsey, a 27-year-old midfielder who now plays for League One side Bolton Wanderers, faces one charge which alleges that he assaulted bouncer Daryl Jarvis, causing actual bodily harm.
Dempsey’s father Michael, a 50-year-old ex rugby league professional, faces the same charge. Dempsey senior also faces a second allegation of causing criminal damage to a door at Maryport Labour Club.
All charges arise out of an incident at the premises which reportedly occurred at around 10.40pm on Saturday July 16 last year. This was hours after Bolton had played a pre-season friendly at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park.
Dempsey junior and senior appeared in the dock at Workington magistrates’ court this morning. Wearing dark suits and white shirts, the two men spoke to confirm their full names, dates of birth and addresses.
Not guilty pleas were entered to the actual bodily harm assault charge on their behalf by a solicitor acting for the pair during a 10-minute hearing.
Pamela Fee, for the prosecution, outlined the circumstances of what she alleged was a group attack by the footballer and his father — one which she said had been captured on CCTV.
Mr Jarvis, she alleged, had been punched multiple times and knee-ed in the face. The prosecutor added: “The injuries sustained are heavy bleeding to his head due to a cut, bruised ribs, suspected broken nose and chipped teeth.”
After hearing the prosecutor’s outline, magistrates concluded they could retain the case for a trial with their powers of sentencing in the event of any convictions being a maximum of 12 months’ imprisonment.
Kyle Dempsey, of Magnolia Way, Blackpool, and Michael Dempsey, Whitecroft, Maryport, both said they wished to have the case dealt with at Carlisle Crown Court.
Both are due to appear in front of a judge at the crown court on February 6 when a plea and trial preparation hearing is set to take place.
In the meantime they were granted unconditional bail by the magistrates.
*Following the incident, Bolton Wanderers had issued a statement which confirmed they were aware of it.
“Kyle Dempsey and his father were enjoying an evening out with their family in their home town of Maryport following Saturday’s pre-season friendly against his former club Carlisle United,” a spokesman said. “During the course of the evening, they were both subjected to an unprovoked assault which left them requiring medical treatment.
“The Dempsey family will receive the full support of chairman Sharon Brittan, manager Ian Evatt and the club while the incident is being investigated by Cumbria Police.
“No further comment will be made at this time.”
Kyle Dempsey’s former clubs also include Huddersfield Town, Fleetwood Town, Peterborough United and Gillingham.
