Leeds trial 'could be TV drama'

Woodgate and Bowyer's story may feature in TV drama

The circumstances that led to the trials of two Leeds United Footballers could be dramatised for television, it emerged on Thursday.

Yorkshire Television has said it has commissioned a script concerning the controversial events that led to the court appearances of Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer and three others.

But the TV company has not yet decided whether to proceed with the project.

It is not known whether the script would portray the alleged events or concentrate on the trial itself.

Screenplay

The brutal attack on Sarfraz Najeib, 21, in Leeds city centre in January last year led to two criminal trials involving Mr Woodgate and Mr Bowyer.

Mr Bowyer was cleared of all criminal charges by the jury at Hull Crown Court this month.

But Mr Woodgate was given 100 hours community service after being convicted of affray.

The Times newspaper has reported that Farrukh Dhondy, a former commissioning editor of Channel Four, has written the screenplay.

It said Mr Najeib had co-operated with the project but claimed the footballers refused.

A YTV spokesman said on Thursday: "YTV have commissioned a script from Farrukh Dhondy. As and when and if they decide to push ahead with the project, they will then seek a broadcaster."