Professional footballer has ‘everything to lose’ after being accused of causing bouncer serious head injury on Christmas Day
Footie ace was in the dock just hours before match against Colchester
A RISING star footballer was said to have "everything to lose" after being accused smashing a bouncer over the head with a Jack Daniels bottle in a vicious Christmas Day attack.
Rohan Ince denied a charge of wounding with intent when he appeared in the dock at Reading Crown Court just hours before walking out onto a football pitch and playing in the new EFL Cup.
The 23-year-old Brighton and Hove Albion player was accused of a bottle attack at nightclub Atik, in Windsor, Berkshire, in the early hours of December 25 last year.
Sandra Beck, prosecuting, revealed the victim, who required seven metal staples to his head after being assaulted, worked as door staff at the club and went to the assistance of a police officer when a brawl broke out at 4am.
Ince, a Chelsea F.C prodigy, is the third cousin of England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince and nephew of Brighton and Crystal Palace 1980s player Eric Young.
Shortly after his appearance in the dock the midfielder travelled back to Brighton, East Sussex, and was in the starting line up against Colchester in the evening kick off match with his team winning 4-0.
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Brian O'Neill, defending, said: "He is a professional footballer with a championship side. He has a great deal to lose. He has everything to lose."
Mr O'Neill told the court his client, who chose his lawyer after O'Neill represented one of his teammates, admitted being present at the time of the attack but denied being the culprit.
"The Crown alleges he rushed forward with a Jack Daniels bottle and leaped in the air, striking the complainant on the head and causing a nasty head injury," Mr O'Neill said.
Ince, who wore a black suit, white shirt and no tie, spoke only to confirm his name and was prompted twice to stand as he appeared not to hear the first time.
He only spoke to confirm his name and say "not guilty".
Ince was released on bail on the condition that he must not enter any licensed premises in the borough of Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead.
His trial will take place on February 13 next year.
Ince, of Ashford, Kent, appeared before Johanna Cutts, QC, at Reading Crown Court.
A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove Albion said: "Brighton & Hove Albion is aware of the situation, but as this is an ongoing investigation, the club will not be making any comment at this stage."
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