An assault charge against a Co Down-based professional strongman is to be dismissed, a judge has ordered.
Sean O’Hagan, 34, was set to contest allegations that he caused actual bodily harm to a man in Belfast.
But the case ended after the alleged victim failed to turn up for a scheduled trial hearing at the city’s Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
O’Hagan, from Church View Way in Laurencetown, has regularly competed in international competitions since winning Ireland’s Strongest Man back in 2015.
Earlier this year he was jailed for separate road rage, domestic assault and harassment offences.
The weightlifter faced an unrelated charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over an incident on May 28, 2022.
Proceedings were adjourned previously because of the complainant’s non-attendance.
At Tuesday’s relisted hearing, District Judge Amanda Henderson was told the man had not shown up once again.
“He has not been engaging and we have allowed plenty of time now,” she pointed out.
With no reason provided for his continued failure to attend, the prosecution did not offer any other evidence against O’Hagan.
“The matter will then be dismissed,” Judge Henderson ordered.
O’Hagan remains in custody, however, serving the previously imposed sentences.