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The BBC's Richard Wells
"This can attract nothing but bad news for Leeds"
 real 28k

Thursday, 30 March, 2000, 18:05 GMT 19:05 UK
Leeds star charged by police

The problems continue for Leeds United
Leeds defender Michael Duberry has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, after an alleged assault on a student.

The former England Under-21 centre-back answered bail at a police station in Leeds, where he was formally charged.

Reserve team striker Tony Hackworth, 19, was also charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.



We restate our position that ... both Michael Duberry and Tony Hackworth will remain available for selection

Leeds United statement
Both will appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on Tuesday 4 April.

The charges follow an alleged incident in the city centre on 12 January when student Sarfraz Najeib, 19, was attacked.

In a statement Leeds United said the players would still be available for selection.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale confirmed: "Michael Duberry and Tony Hackworth have been charged in connection with the alleged offence that took place in Leeds on the night of 11/12 January 2000.

"We also restate our position that every individual is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and that both Michael Duberry and Tony Hackworth will remain available for selection.

"Michael Duberry has not been charged with an offence specifically relating to the assault."


court
Both players must now appear before Leeds Magistrates Court
Two Leeds United stars have already appeared in court charged in connection with the incident.

Lee Bowyer, 23, and Jonathan Woodgate, 20, appeared before Leeds magistrates on 17 March, accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.

Two other men, Neale Caveney, 20, and Paul Clifford, 20, were also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray. A fifth man, James Hewison, 21, was charged with threatening behaviour.

All five were remanded on bail until 9 June.

West Yorkshire Police also announced that a 24-year-old Bradford man and a 22-year-old Leeds man had been charged with affray in relation to an incident outside the Queen's Hotel shortly before the alleged attack.

They will also appear before magistrates on Tuesday.

Najeib, a student at Leeds Metropolitan University, is still recovering from the assault.

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