Laois GAA footballer Colm Parkinson has been sentenced to do either 150 hours of community service, or serve six months in jail, after pleading guilty to two assaults today.
Judge Michael Reilly ordered a community service report be prepared for the Athlone District Court on February 8th 2005.
If Parkinson is found to be a suitable candidate by the report, he will do the 150 hours of community service.
Mr Parkinson pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Patrick Macken in an Athlone nightclub, and Mr Kevin Hanley on Church Street, Athlone.
The judge said he took into account Parkinson's record as a sportsman and his desire to travel to Australia in the near future.
Parkinson is due to play for Portlaoise against Kilmacud Crokes in the Leinster senior club championship on Sunday next.