Ken Oman, a footballer who has won the League of Ireland thrice, has agreed to his extradition to Northern Ireland to address allegations of assaulting another player during a match. Ken Oman, 41, is sought for an incident that took place in Belfast seven years ago during a game involving his former team, Portadown FC, and Cliftonville from North Belfast.
Oman is accused of striking former Cliftonville athlete Caoimhín Bonner in the face with his elbow during a Premiership match at the Solitude football ground in Belfast on December 10, 2016. The altercation, captured by television cameras, resulted in Bonner suffering a fractured upper jaw and losing two front teeth. The Irish Football Association, as stated in the warrant, subsequently imposed a six-match suspension on Oman.
It was further stated that the episode was reported to the Northern Ireland Police, who requested Oman to appear for an interview, but he refused. On Tuesday at the High Court, Marc Thompson Grolimund BL, Oman’s legal counsel, stated that his client willingly conceded to the authorities in Northern Ireland and had secured legal representation in the region.
Ken Oman, residing in Glasnevin Downs, Dublin 11, only spoke to acknowledge to Grolimund that he was thoroughly aware of his legal options and the consequences of his voluntary surrender to Northern Ireland to face charges. He then signed his acceptance documents and gave them to the registrar.
Amy Deane BL, representative for the Minister for Justice, stated that the warrant issued last November in the Republic declared that the offence of severe bodily harm carried a maximum penalty of seven years in jail in the UK. Deane also mentioned that Oman had complied with his bail conditions and had signed in at a Dublin police station.
According to Justice Kerida Naidoo, he approved the surrender after being assured that Oman had availed professional legal counselling, and that there were no issues regarding bail. Naidoo remarked that Oman’s handover to the Northern authorities should occur within a maximal timeline of 20 days.
Throughout his professional life, Mr Oman had been a part of several football clubs including Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic. He took pride in numerous victories such as three leagues and as many FAI Cups, to name a few. He proudly represented the Republic of Ireland on four occasions at the under-21 level.
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