Bombers suspend Hurley

Essendon has increased Michael Hurley's punishment following the adjournment of his assault charges until June on Friday, suspending the rising star until at least Round 4.

Hurley appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday to answer the charges arising from an alleged assault on a taxi driver in September last year but a bid by his lawyer to have the case instead sent to a diversion program was dismissed by Deputy Chief Magistrate Dan Muling.

According to Muling the alleged offences - which included punching, kicking and grabbing the cab driver in a headlock - were too serious for the diversion program which allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record and instead complete community service.

The Bombers originally suspended the 19-year-old from participation in any NAB Cup or NAB Challenge matches but when they handed down that penalty they also confirmed he would be punished further.

As well as being ineligible for selection in the first three weeks, when Essendon will play Geelong (MCG), Fremantle (Etihad Stadium) and Carlton (MCG), Hurley will also have to complete an alcohol counselling course and a minimum of 20 hours of community service in 2010.

"As the matter is only part heard Michael cannot make any comment today," said Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

"The club will release a statement later in the day but it can be confirmed that Michael will not be available for selection until Round 4 of the AFL season."

Taken with pick No.5 at the 2008 national draft, Hurley played 10 games in his debut season last year, the most impressive of which came in the final round of the home-and-away season when he booted four goals in the Bombers' come-from-behind 17-point win over the Hawks that saw them claim eighth spot.