Cricket Ireland statement regarding suspension of Desmond Curry of Limavady CC

Cricket Ireland has confirmed that the suspension imposed on Desmond Curry of Limavady Cricket Club  has been reduced from 12 to 6 months following  a rehearing of the case by Cricket Ireland. At the rehearing, Mr Curry was found liable in respect of the Level 4 charge of assault against Instonians player Andrew White, but not liable in respect of the Level 3 charge for threat of assault. Since the 6-month penalty dates from the time the match occurred, Mr Curry is effectively free to play again.

The rehearing took place following an adjudication by Just Sport Ireland that Cricket Ireland should hear the Level 3 and 4 charges afresh with a newly constituted disciplinary panel on the basis that the original panel had not applied the appropriate standard of proof for the more serious charges.

The independent arbitrator appointed by Just Sport Ireland upheld three of the original charges against Mr Curry - namely, abuse of cricket equipment, showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse, and using language that was obscene, offensive or insulting.

The matter arises out of incidents that occurred at a Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup second round cricket match between Limavady CC and Instonians CC on 11 June 2011 at Limavady.

Desmond Curry has decided to appeal against the latest decision and the matter will now be heard by an Appeals Commissioner.