Bolton and manager Ian Evatt have their say on Kyle Dempsey and the court decision following a “ruthless and merciless” attack last year.
The jury was shown CCTV footage that showed Kyle Dempsey and his father taking part in an incident which injured a bouncer.
The doorman suffered injuries after the son, Kyle, and father, Michael, an ex-rugby player, attacked him.
The incident took place on the 16th of July 2022, just hours after Kyle’s old side Carlisle had played Bolton in a friendly pre-season.
The family went to a pub before going to the local Labour club in Maryport where Kyle’s grandfather was waiting for them.
The Bolton player claimed that he was assaulted unprovoked on the way by a man, who had previously caused problems in his family.
Darryl Jarvis was the bouncer who met them as they chased Dempsey towards a nightclub at about 10.30pm.
Mr Jarvis said that Dempsey “acted aggressively to get through the doors” and he pulled him out, before being hit by his father.
CCTV footage shows the moment Bolton Wanderers footballer Kyle Dempsey and his father Michael Dempsey assaulted a bouncer.
Story here: https://t.co/QA0L9wWZM1 pic.twitter.com/XfuYieaMOX
— ITV Granada Reports (@GranadaReports) April 13, 2023
He remembered being struck “multiple times” on his head, face and body.
He told the judge that he had been hit “at least 12 times”.
After escaping, Jarvis told the judge that he went back to the club where the doors had been bolted. Michael managed to break them open, but Kyle was able get past the female bouncer.
Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said to court Mr Jarvis restrained Kyle, before adding: “He then broke free and began to assault Mr Jarvis by the use of punches and also the use of his knee in an upwards motion towards Mr Jarvis. When that has happened, Mr Dempsey Snr also joined in, raining punches towards Mr Jarvis.”
Mr Jarvis was forced to miss work due to a broken nose and bruised ribs. He also suffered a cut on the head, a chipped teeth and bruising.
“I’ve been left with a scar to the left side of my head which is a constant reminder of the attack,” Mr Jarvis told the court.
“July 16 is my wedding anniversary and now it will always be overshadowed as a reminder of the violence I suffered by two people who I can only describe as mindless thugs who had the sole intention of causing me serious harm.”
Both Kyle and Michael Dempsey admitted to actual bodily harm assault. Judge Ian Unsworth KC said it was an “ugly, group attack” that was “wildly excessive, ruthless and merciless”.
Kyle was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, which will be suspended for an additional 18 months. He must also complete 200 hours unpaid community service. He was also given a four month electronically monitored curfew between 9pm and 7am every day. Michael was sentenced to 13 months in prison, which will be suspended for another 18 months. Both men were ordered by the court to pay compensation of £1,500 to Mr Jarvis.
During the evidence, Lisa Judge spoke on “loving, kind family man” Michael and also Kyle, a man of previous good character.
On the footballer, she said a prison sentence would “wreck” his career.
“He has faced (online) trolling. He has faced shouts from the stands since July, 2022. This one night has lived with him ever since,” said Ms Judge.
“Kyle Dempsey’s trade is kicking a ball. It is something that he has lived for ever since the age of six. It is something he has fought for, it is something that his family have supported him throughout in achieving and all that may be thrown away for these 14 minutes or so in the labour club.”
CLUB STATEMENT:
Following the verdict from a court case involving midfielder Kyle Dempsey, Bolton Wanderers FC has released the following statement:
As a Club, we do not condone Kyle’s actions and have reminded Kyle of his responsibilities as a player for Bolton Wanderers.
Kyle has apologised for his actions and the impact they have had, and we as a Club will continue to support Kyle going forward on and off the pitch.
Regarding the curfew imposed, Kyle is permitted under the terms of the sentence to work beyond the hours stipulated and he will continue to be available for selection.
With the case having reached a conclusion in the court of law, we now consider the matter closed and the Club will not make any further comment.
“We’re pretty clear on the way we move forward.”#BWFC boss Ian Evatt says Kyle Dempsey will be involved for Wanderers this weekend.
Kyle Dempsey was given a 9pm curfew as part of his sentencing for ABH earlier this week, but can still play for Bolton around those hours.
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) April 13, 2023
“He understands what happened was completely wrong,” Manager Ian Evatt said to The Bolton News. “And for him it is not about making up to us or making up to anyone else, he has a responsibility to himself and his family that he learns from it and comes out a better person, a more educated person, and I think he will do that.
“For us it is parked, it is finished, we need him to concentrate on his football and that is what he is going to do.”
When questioned if there is a moral argument for the club to make an example out of a player which has been found guilty of a violent offence, he added: “The only thing I can say to that is the courts have punished Kyle and he has been heavily punished. For us, we will stand by what has happened in the court and move on.
“It has changed him, I think this type of life experience usually does. Just so long as it is a positive change, and I believe it will be for him. He can be better off for it.
“He has become an important part of the team.”
This is how social media users reacted as Bolton and manager Ian Evatt have their say on Kyle Dempsey and the court decision…
@Coops_Colin: “We’re Bolton, we’re barmy, we’re on the piss tonight!” @PhoenixNightsNC
@bazg71: The bouncer is ok to use muscle on the woman. Shame he doesn’t like his own medicine
@djkipper74: What have I just seen here? Is this real or a clip from phoenix nights? So many questions. Who is the blue haired person, is that a costume wig, grotbags? Also, was that a granny joining in at the end?
@whittlel7:
Kyle Dempseys magic
He wears a magic tag
And if you’re a bouncer
He’ll knock you on your back
He tag teams with his dad and they’ll throw lefts and rights
And when we win promotion, we’ll sing this song all night
@cafc95: Definitely two sides to this story. Most bouncers have power trips and pick on weaker people so this was probably justified
@Stuartjamess: How he’s not doing time for that is a joke, if that’s you or me from the street they are behind bars, not a suspended sentence
@ste_henry: Dempsey should makepiece
@Parkybwfc88: Self defence that strangling him for nothing 👀 go on demps
@deano378: Never have happened on max and paddy’s watch . They were the hardest doorman in Bolton
@JoshHodginsNew: Sack him #bwfc
@gillsfan84: Wow that is not a good look!
@Johnnyproudlove: Seem like a nice family… 😳
@SueEdwa62500486: Another footballer 🙄 probably get away with it as usual always do
@Dazzapass: Send him down for 6 months for ABH
@Adam_PVFC: Fair play to the bouncer
@LoyalEastbank: How many times has that bouncer and his pals done that to others who aren’t able for them. Things like that don’t happen for nothing.
@jwb233: Not a good look. He’s been a great player all season but I’m not sure how the club can take a big stand on the damage gambling does to someone’s life and not take a stand on this
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