A JURY has been sworn in to hear the case of a man accused of throwing acid in the face of a champion snooker player at a house party in Limerick City three years ago.
John Cross, (34), St Lawrence Park, Garryowen, Limerick, is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ian Pickford who, the court was told, was capped for Ireland at junior level snooker.
The jury was sworn in before Judge Tom O’Donnell at Limerick Circuit Court on Monday and the trial was due to go ahead today (Tuesday) but was adjourned to tomorrow (Wednesday).
The jury has heard that the alleged acid attack occurred at a party in Mr Cross’s house on June 14, 2020.
Outlining the alleged facts to the panel of jury members, prosecution counsel, John O’Sullivan said it was alleged that “John Cross threw a substance at the injured party’s face. It is alleged that substance was acid”.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Pickford suffered serious injuries to his face and was left with permanent scarring.
“Ian is a snooker enthusiast, and a member of the St Michael’s Snooker Club. He is a Limerick intermediary champion and, at junior level, he was capped for Ireland,” added Mr O’Sullivan.
Mr Pickford, who was accompanied in court by members of his family, is expected to give a first-hand account in the witness box of the alleged acid assault.
A number of witnesses from the medical profession are also due to give evidence in the trial, which is expected to last for at least a week.
