Sean Cox attacker awaiting trial verdict

Filippo Lombardi, 21, has denied all accusations of inflicting grievous bodily harm on father of three Sean Cox, from Dunboyne, Co Meath,Ireland, before the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Roma at Anfield last season.

53-year-old Cox suffered 'catastrophic injuries' in the attack, which rendered him unable to speak, before the semi-final match on 24 April last year. 

This Wednesday, recorder of Preston crown Court judge Mark Brown made a statement on the events, saying: "Football has been described as the beautiful game but the terrible events that took place outside Anfield stadium when Sean Cox was assaulted and suffered catastrophic injuries surely have blighted its reputation."

The trial's Jury was informed that, while another man was responsible for the punch that knocked Mr Cox to the ground, causing the majority of his injuries, Lombardi was jointly accountable for the events, as he was seen on CCTV footage swinging his belt at Mr Cox and his brother Martin.

Lombardi pleaded his case, in the presence of an Italian interpreter, but mostly in English, stating that he had only removed his belt out of fear that he was lost, and entering a dangerous situation surrounded by Liverpool supporters. 

However, the footage in question, taken on Walton Breck Road near Anfield stadium, shows Lombardi swinging his belt in the direction of the Cox brothers, without any signs of provocation. 

Lombardi went on to say that he was swinging his belt at a man behind Cox who had made a comment about a fight, and had attempted to use the weapon to deter the man, and had not even noticed Cox until he saw him lying on the ground.

Chief Prosecutor Neville Biddle slammed the conduct of Lombardi, saying: "The Coxes had done absolutely nothing other than walk peacefully down the road. I suggest to you it's clear from those photos that Mr Lombardi, for whatever reason, was intent on causing trouble. He now realises that what he has done has caused catastrophic injuries to Mr Cox and he is quite simply not able to bring himself to admit that that is what he had done."

In her closing speech, Chief Defender Alison Gurden said: "You don't have to be certain that what Mr Lombardi has said is accurate, you just have to effectively have doubt in your mind as to whether prosecution have proved this case."

The Jury have now adjourned to examine all the evidence put forward, and are expected to take considerable time before announcing their verdict.