Leeds stars sent for trial in assault case

Three Leeds United stars were yesterday committed for trial on charges ofassaulting an Asian student.

Three Leeds United stars were yesterday committed for trial on charges ofassaulting an Asian student.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer, 23, of Leeds, who has played for the England Under-21 side, defender Jonathan Woodgate, 20, of Middlesbrough, and reserve team striker Tony Hackworth, 20, of Leeds, are accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sarfraz Najeib, 19, in Leeds city centre in January this year.

The three are also charged with affray.

In addition, England international Woodgate is charged, along with another Leeds player Michael Duberry, 24, of Leeds, with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Neal Caveney, 21, of Middlesbrough, and Paul Clifford, 21, also of Middlesbrough, are charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, affray, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Patricia Hewitt, stipendiary magistrate at Leeds magistrates' court, committed the case to Leeds Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on September 25.

All the defendants were released on bail.