National cricketer André McCarthy pleaded guilty to assaulting a man with a cricket bat in court on Friday. McCarthy, 25, who is charged with assault, appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court where he was told to return on Thursday with $25,000 to pay for the man's medical expenses.

McCarthy played for the West Indies in the 2006 U-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka, and more recently was replaced by Chris Gayle in Jamaica's team in the just concluded Caribbean T20 tournament, after he was reportedly injured.

The complainant told the court that McCarthy used a cricket bat to hit him on his arm and leg where he sustained injuries. The court did not hear the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey asked the complainant how much was his medical expenses to which he replied: "It reach about $18,000 now, your Honour."

McCarthy was then told by the RM to fork out $25,000 when he returns to court on Thursday. He replied saying: "Your honour, I play cricket for the national team, so I'm supposed to be leaving sometime soon."

"I don't care!" RM Pusey immediately replied.

McCarthy, who is in Jamaica's squad for the upcoming regional limited overs and four-day competitions, pleaded with the RM for a date that would not clash with his preparations for the upcoming tournaments.

"When are you leaving?" the RM enquired "We are leaving on the 1st of February," McCarthy answered.

The complainant, who at that point tried to interfere with the proceedings as if he wanted to drop the charge, was silenced by RM Pusey.

"When you come back with the money just tell the officer by the door that you are the cricketer, so that he can inform me, so we can deal with you early and let you go!" she told McCarthy.