TonyK
CibbuanoDons suspend Hurley until round four
March 5th 2010 03:24
ESSENDON has increased Michael Hurley's punishment for an alleged assault of a taxi driver in September last year, suspending the young key position prospect until round four.
The 19-year-old faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday on five counts of assault but the case remains undecided after a bid by his lawyer Damien Sheales to have it sent to a diversion program was dismissed by Deputy Chief Magistrate Dan Muling.
Muling ruled that the alleged offences - which included kicking, punching and grabbing the cab driver in a headlock - were too serious for the diversion program which allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record by undertaking community service.
Hurley will now have to reappear in court on June 11.
The Bombers initially banned Hurley from taking part in any NAB Cup or NAB Challenge matches but when they handed down that penalty they stated it would be one part of their punishment for the talented youngster.
On top of the three-match suspension, Hurley will have to complete an alcohol counselling course and at least 20 hours of community service during the season.
"As the matter is only part heard Michael cannot make any comment today," Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said outside court.
"The club will release a statement later in the day but it can be confirmed that Michael will not be available for selection until Round 4 of the AFL season."
Taken with pick five in the 2008 national draft, Hurley played 10 games last season and earned a NAB Rising Star nomination for his 20-possession, ten-mark and one-goal performance in the Bombers' upset win over St Kilda in round 20.
But his most impressive performance was in the final round of the premiership season when he booted four goals against Hawthorn to help lift Essendon to a 17-point victory which saw them secure a finals berth for the first time since 2004.
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