Probation Act for Babb and Kennedy - November 14, 2000 Ireland's Phil Babb and Mark Kennedy walked free from court yesterday after admitting criminal damage to a Garda's car. Babb and Kennedy were arrested by Garda Elaine Farrell after they damaged her car during a night out on the tiles in Dublin just before Ireland kicked off their World Cup campaign. The night of high jinks cost the pair their place in the Irish squad and since then they have not been considered for selection but now they can put their mistake behind them and get back to what they do best, play football. Both men apologised to the court and made a donation of £5,000 to an Irish children's charity so the judge decided to serve them with the Probation Act instead on giving them a criminal record. Mick McCarthy said: "I'm pleased for the two lads and all concerned that the matter is now concluded. From now on both players are eligible to be selected for the international squad." |