A firefighter has been in a coma for two years after suffering a life-changing brain injury during an incident in a Rochester pub.

Paul Reeve had been drinking and dancing in the Eagle Tavern when he was pushed to the ground by a rival.

He got to his feet and walked outside before collapsing, a jury at Maidstone Crown Court has heard

Mr Reeve now needs 24-hour care, cannot communicate or breathe without assistance, a jury has heard.

Prosecutor Ed Fowler said: "Mr Reeve, suffered traumatic brain injury which has left him in a prolonged disorder of consciousness. Sadly, there is little prospect of him ever recovering."

On trial for the attack on September 29, 2019 is Lewis Hayes, 24, of Eden Avenue, Chatham, who admits causing grievous bodily harm - but denies intending to hurt him.

The incident was caught on CCTV and was shown to the jury.

Mr Fowler added: "It is not suggested that the defendant intended the devastating consequences of his actions, but in punching or pushing him to the ground with great force and then kicking him in the head, the Crown suggests that he must have intended some serious injury to result.

"Mr Reeve was able to get to his feet after the attack and walk outside the pub to the street, where he collapsed almost immediately and has not spoken since."

The prosecutor said that on the Saturday Mr Reeve went out in Rochester town centre with his good friend Kevin Porter.

"They ended up in the Eagle Tavern at around 10pm where they were chatting and dancing. Mr Porter saw his friend, Mr Reeve, having a bit of an argument with someone, but it didn’t last long.

"Sabrina Simone had been at the tavern when two males approached her and the other girls on the dance floor and she described them as pestering her and her friends, to the extent that she asked her boyfriend, Pete, to have a word.

"He asked them to leave them alone and they moved away without any issues.

"Just after midnight, when the music had stopped and the lights had come on, Mr Porter saw his friend talking to the defendant.

"Mr Porter noticed that initially the conversation was quite calm and amicable, but then some words were exchanged with the defendant who then said something along the lines of, 'It’s a good job it’s the end of the night and you’re going home,'" claimed the prosecutor. It was at this point Mr Reeve was pushed.

Mr Fowler added: "Despite having sent Mr Reeve to the floor, the defendant was still being aggressive and was moving towards Mr Reeve. Mr Porter, therefore, grabbed the defendant in a bear hug and turned to his left to push him away.

"Mr Porter then helped his friend outside but suddenly his knees buckled. Mr Porter was holding him but realised his friend had lost consciousness and so put him into the recovery position, cradling his head in his hand.

"It was then that he noticed blood from the left side of his friend’s head on his own hand."

The trial continues.

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