Leeds attack victim 'could not speak'

The footballers deny all charges

Jurors in the trial of Leeds United footballers Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer have heard how their alleged victim was unable to speak after being attacked.

Ambulance technician Andrew Finn told the trial at Hull Crown Court that there was blood around the student's head and blood trapped in his airway.

He had a head injury and I could hear blood in his airway

Paramedic Andrew Finn

Mr Finn said Leeds Metropolitan University student Sarfraz Najeib, 21, was conscious but unable to answer questions at the scene and on the way to the hospital.

Mr Woodgate, 21, of Middlesbrough, Mr Bowyer, 24, of Leeds, and Paul Clifford and Neale Caveney, both 22 and from Middlesbrough, all deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Najeib, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

The men also deny affray.

Spinal board

Mr Najeib suffered a broken nose, fractured leg and a bite mark to his cheek in the attack in January last year.

Paramedics were was called to the scene just after 0050 GMT and directed to Mill Hill by two men outside the Majestyk nightclub in City Square, Leeds.

Sarfraz Najeib suffered a broken cheek bone

Mr Finn arrived first at the scene and saw Mr Najeib lying in the street.

"He was conscious but was unable to respond to any questions," he said.

"He had a head injury and I could hear blood in his airway. He was moaning but not moving greatly."

Mr Najeib was put on a spinal board to prevent any potential damage to his back.

Shirt open

Mr Finn said he was directed to the scene by a tall man, aged about 21 or 22, and a shorter one aged about 20.

"The taller gentleman was excitable and the smaller was quieter but more eager to tell me what had happened," he told the court on Thursday.

Mr Finn later identified the taller of the two men as former Leeds United reserve team striker Tony Hackworth.

He said Mr Hackworth's shirt was open to the navel, but he was not sure if it had been ripped or was simply unbuttoned.

He added that Mr Hackworth had said there had been a fight between some Asian and white youths and that he had tried to help.

The trial continues.