A SUFFOLK hotel landlord has described seeing an alleged attacker kick the head of a man who was on the ground “as if he was taking a penalty.”

Neil Quigley, who ran the White Horse Hotel in Leiston, told a jury at Ipswich Crown Court that he saw 23-year-old Daniel Knights punch Thomas Donegan on the side of the face causing him to fall to the ground.

He said there was then a “bit of a fracas” and he had seen a man wearing a grey hoodie like the one worn by Daniel Knights kick Mr Donegan in the head. “It was like someone kicking a football. Like taking a penalty,” said Mr Quigley.

Mr Quigley was giving evidence on the first day of the re-trial of Daniel Knights, 23, of Valley Road, Leiston and his brother Adam Knights, 25 of Saxon Road, Saxmundham who have denied causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Donegan with intent on December 23 2010 and a less serious alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The court has heard that following the alleged attack Mr Donegan underwent surgery to have a metal plate inserted in his broken jaw.

Richard Kelly, prosecuting, told the court the brothers had been attending a pre-Christmas drinks party at the hotel and had been asked to leave after allegedly becoming involved in a scuffle in the smoking area.

The brothers had returned to the premises and Daniel Knights had allegedly become involved in an argument with Mr Donegan outside the hotel and punched him.

Mr Donegan was upset and walked through the hotel to an outside patio area where there was a confrontation during which he was allegedly punched by Daniel Knights and knocked to the ground.

Mr Donegan was then allegedly kicked by both brothers while he was on the ground and the incident had come to an end after Daniel Knights allegedly delivered a particularly forceful kick which was described by Mr Quigley as “sickening”.

The court heard that when the brothers were interviewed by police in February last year they elected to answer no comment to questions put to them.

The trial continues today.