AN ice hockey player is believed to be the first in the country to be prosecuted for an alleged assault during play, after an incident at Blackburn arena.

Robert Nathan Brownbill, 18, appeared before Blackburn magistrates, charged with assaulting Richard Hulme causing actual bodily harm.

The charge follows an incident minutes from the end of a game between Altrincham Tigers and Blackburn Hawks Under 19s in October.

Mr Hulme, who plays for Blackburn and lives in Blackpool, was allegedly struck with a hockey stick. He lost two teeth and was at first thought to have suffered a broken jaw. X-rays later showed there was no break.

Julie Miller, defending, applied for the case to be adjourned so she could seek advice from counsel because of the unusual nature of the allegation and also for clarification of the final extent of the injuries suffered by Mr Hulme

Speaking after the hearing she said she understood it to be the first prosecution in the UK arising from an in-play incident.

"I am told there is a similar case in progress in the United States but I am not aware of any others," said Miss Miller.

Bobby Haig, coach of Blackburn Hawks, said it was the first prosecution he had ever heard of in 27 years' involvement in the game.

"Clearly I can't comment on this particular case but its fair to say that incidents involving the use of sticks are usually dealt with by the sport's own disciplinary procedures," said Mr Haig.

"Ricky has made a full recovery and still plays for the under 19s."

Brownbill, who lives in Swinton, was remanded on bail.