Dundee star Kyle Benedictus has been given six months’ grace by a sheriff after admitting carrying out two assaults at a flat near Dens Park.
As we reported, the 19-year-old had previously admitted punching Jamie Ross and Daryn Moran, and shouting abuse at former girlfriend Hayley Macnamara at the flat in Tannadice Street late on January 2.
On Wednesday, Sheriff Tom Hughes said he would treat the footballer like anyone else who appeared in his court and deferred sentence for six months for him to be of good behaviour and to take part in voluntary work with his club.
Benedictus’ defence agent Mike Creegan told the court his client had spent two days in police custody following the incident and that has “had an effect on him.”
“I would say that I would be very surprised if your lordship saw him in court again,” he said. “After he appeared in court the last time there was a quote in the local paper from one of his victims that stated that he didn’t expect this to have gone as far as it did.”
The court had previously heard that Benedictus, of Finella Place, and Miss Macnamara had split up before the New Year but that on the night in question he had been trying to find her. Benedictus and another person went to the door and pushed into the flat.
He was described as going “straight for” Mr Moran, who received several punches in the face causing a cut lip and swelling. Mr Ross also received a punch, causing a reddening of his face.
Throughout, Benedictus was said to be shouting to his former girlfriend.
Sheriff Tom Hughes said he had read reports in Benedictus’ case closely.
He said, “One of the aspects of it is that you already seem to have been punished by your club as a result of this. You have already faced a financial penalty.
“You will be dealt with in the same way as anyone else in this court and I will defer sentence for six months.”
He added, “I expect you to be of good behaviour. Over the course of the next six months I expect that you should have done some voluntary work.”
He asked for a letter from a Dundee FC director to confirm Benedictus’ involvement before his appearance on October 20.