THE prosecution of an 18-year-old ice hockey player for an alleged assault during play at Blackburn arena could become a national test case.

Robert Nathan Brownbill is the first player in the UK to be taken to court as a result of an incident during the course of a game.

And Blackburn magistrates were told there have been no convictions arising from similar incidents in any ice hockey playing nation worldwide.

Julie Miller, defending, applying for an adjournment, told the court there was one similar case in progress in the United States.

Robert Nathan Brownbill is charged with assaulting Richard Hulme causing him actual bodily harm during an incident minutes from the end of a game between Blackburn Hawks Under 19s and Altrincham Tigers Under 19s in October.

Mr Hulme, who plays for Blackburn and lives in Blackpool, was allegedly struck with a hockey stick during the incident. He lost two teeth.

Miss Miller told the court there was no case law relating to ice hockey because this was the first case of its kind. There were parallels in soccer and rugby but these had to be viewed against the rules of each sport, she said.

She said advice and opinion was being sought from the English Ice Hockey Association, other organisations and people involved in the sport. She said the sport's rules need to be considered and asked magistrates for a further adjournment.

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.

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

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