Leeds players await news on possible retrial

Leeds footballers Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer are awaiting news on whether they will face a retrial on charges of attacking…

Leeds footballers Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer are awaiting news on whether they will face a retrial on charges of attacking an Asian student.

The nine-week trial of the two footballers and two other men was halted yesterday at Hull Crown Court.

Mr Justice Poole ruled a Sunday Mirrornewspaper interview with the victim's father could have seriously prejudiced the case.

He said the article in which victim Mr Sarfraz Najeib's father Muhammad claimed the attack on his son was racially motivated should be referred to the Attorney General for contempt of court.

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The jury of seven men and four women was discharged by the judge following 39 days of the trial which is believed to have cost £8 million.

Prosecuting counsel Mr Nicholas Campbell QC told the judge that a decision had already been made to seek a new trial.

He asked for today's hearing to discuss possible dates and venues for a potential retrial.

PA