Football star's Elvis impersonator assault trial put back 10 months

The Celtic and Ireland striker, who has just gone on loan to Hibernian FC for the season, was at Dublin’s Circuit Criminal Court when his case was adjourned.

Prosecutor Diarmuid Collins said a witness due to give evidence in the trial this week was immobilised after injuring her back and would not be available to give evidence for another week.

Barrister David Staunton, representing Stokes, said adjourning the case for a short time would leave the footballer in difficulty.

“He has just started new employment,” he told the judge.

Mr Staunton said it would be preferable if the case was put back further.

The trial has been ordered to go ahead on November 22.

The brief hearing was told there was no need for a further pre-trial and that facilities to view CCTV footage will be needed in the court room.

It is expected the case will last between two and three days.

Father-of-two Stokes, 27, dressed in a light grey suit, white shirt and purple tie, was accompanied in court by his solicitor, Michael Staines.

He was remanded on continuing bail.

The striker was due for trial last May but the hearing was put back because there were no judges immediately available to take the case.

The Dubliner, with an address at Bellhaven Terrace, Glasgow, is accused over an alleged incident in a nightclub.

He was arrested by appointment and charged with assault causing harm to Anthony Bradley, 42, at Buck Whaley’s nightclub on Leeson Street, Dublin, on June 8 2013.