Victim ‘unlikely to survive’

The scene near the flat between St John’s Road and Blacker Road in Birkby where Laszlo Szekely suffered serious injuries in an attack on New Year’s Day Magistrates’ Court yesterday: “I have received information during the course of the morning that the doctor in charge of the victim’s care said that it’s unlikely he will survive.

“He’s currently in a medicallyinduced coma where he is likely to remain at least for a week when a decision will then be made.

“He (the doctor) states that the injuries are unsustainable so it may well become a murder charge.”

Istavan Horvath, of no fixed address, appeared at the Huddersfield court charged over the offence.

The 45-year-old spoke via a Hungarian interpreter only to confirm his personal details during the eight-minute hearing.

He is charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

His solicitor, Arshad Khan, indicated he will enter a not guilty plea at Leeds Crown Court where he will first appear on February 2.

Deputy District Judge Joanne Hirst told Horvath, flanked in a secure dock by two security officers: “This case is too serious to be dealt with here and you will be dealt with at crown court.

“All of this information will be passed into the judge so that he or she can fix an appropriate trial date. In the meantime I am remanding you in custody.”