A Toronto judge has approved an "eleventh hour" request by Oasis star Noel Gallagher to appear in court at a sentencing hearing for a man who assaulted him while he performed on an outdoor Toronto Island stage.
Danny Sullivan, a 48-year-old contractor from Pickering, pleaded guilty in November to assault causing bodily harm for the Sept. 7, 2008 attack that broke three of Gallagher's rib.
Oasis cancelled five concerts after the incident, which was caught on camera by concertgoers, posted on YouTube and seen around the world.
Crown attorney Ruth Kleinhenz told the Ontario Court Justice Gallagher wants to read his victim impact statement in person.
Defence lawyer John Collins had asked Ontario Justice Richard Schneider to turn down Gallagher's request, saying he should not "control the proceedings."
Sullivan did the right thing by pleading guilty and this continues to hang like an "albatross around his neck."
"He and his family have suffered significant emotional distress."
Court adjourned to pick a date when Gallagher can appear.
Oasis disbanded last summer. Gallagher, 42, plans to continue as a solo act.
Betsy Powell is a reporter with the Toronto Star
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