Northern Ireland

Paddy Barnes voluntarily 'steps aside' from Probation Board

Paddy Barnes has voluntarily 'stepped aside' from the Probation Board pending the outcome of a police investigation
Paddy Barnes has voluntarily 'stepped aside' from the Probation Board pending the outcome of a police investigation Paddy Barnes has voluntarily 'stepped aside' from the Probation Board pending the outcome of a police investigation

Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Paddy Barnes has voluntarily "stepped aside" from the Probation Board pending the outcome of a police investigation into a brawl in Belfast earlier this month.

The retired north Belfast boxer was appointed to the Probation Board earlier this year.

It was reported that Mr Barnes was allegedly involved in an altercation at a Belfast venue on April 9.

Footage circulating online appeared to show punches being thrown between several people.

In a statement last night, a spokeswoman for the Probation Board said Mr Barnes has stepped aside temporarily.

"Paddy Barnes has voluntarily agreed to temporarily step aside as a Probation Board member (without prejudice) pending the outcome of a police investigation of an incident on April 9," she said.

"There are no further details at this time”

Mr Barnes, who picked up bronze medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, retired in 2019.

The boxer signed with event promotions firm MTK Global in 2016.

The company was co-founded by drugs kingpin Daniel Kinahan, who denied that he oversaw its operations.

The Kinahan cartel was recently the subject of sanctions by US authorities.

Earlier this month Mr Barnes told the Irish News he has no involvement “whatsoever” with MTK Global, which last week announced an end to operations.