An Cork soccer player has been told he must never again play contact sports after biting part of another players ear off during a match in December 1999.
Karl Humphries Jnr (18), of Curraheen, Bishopstown, pleaded guilty to the attack on Mr Patrick Flanagan (28), during a Munster Senior League clash between Castleview and Ballincollig on December 19th, 1999.
Judge A.G. Murphy told Cork Circuit Criminal Court he would adjourn sentencing in the case until 2003 provided the man refrained from contact sports during that period of time.
"This was a monstrous act," he said. "I think this young man must never again take part in contact sports for his own good and for the good of the sport involved."
The judge added he would recommend the suspension of the youth's prison sentence in 2003 if Humphries agreed not to participate in contact sports for the rest of his life.
Humphries, an apprentice plasterer, expressed remorse for the attack, which left Mr Flanagan scarred for life. He is currently pursuing a civil claim for his injuries.
Mr Donal McCarthy, for the State, said the court did not have the power to impose a direct ban on Humphries taking part in contact sports.
However, Judge Murphy said the court could advise the young man to refrain from contact sports through a condition of sentencing.