A FATHER has been jailed for 18 months after he lied to police about a street assault which left a man with brain damage.

Leeds Crown Court heard Warren Smith, 46, tried to “cover up” what had happened after he, Andrew Sibson and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified, had gone looking for Craig Kaye who had allegedly slapped another teenager at a party.

But after the trio confronted Mr Kaye in Hollybank Road, Great Horton, Bradford, the 16-year-old ran back alone and punched him on the left side of his face knocking him down and leaving him brain damaged.

Sentencing the trio today, Mr Justice Warby said that blow felled Mr Kaye who had “no warning” it was coming with tragic consequences for him and his family.

Afterwards the judge said there was a “concerted plan to cover up” what had happened with Smith telling the emergency services lies “with the aim no charges would be brought” suggesting the teenager had struck the blow in self-defence after Mr Kaye had acted aggressively.

That had not succeeded because a CCTV camera overlooked the crime showing there was no truth in that claim he had been aggressive or that the teenager was acting in self-defence.

The judge said as a result of his injury Mr Kaye had been in hospital ever since, recently transferring from Leeds General Infirmary to Chapel Allerton Hospital and was unlikely ever to walk again.

The impact of his life-changing injuries had also been devastating on his wife, mother and family.

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The teenager, now 17, had admitted causing Mr Kaye grievous bodily harm on August 31 last year and was given a two year youth rehabilitation order with an activity requirement and a three month curfew from 7pm to 7 am.

Smith, 46 of Hillam Street, Great Horton, Bradford, was jailed after he admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Sibson, 39 of Northdale Mount, Wibsey, Bradford who was found guilty by a jury of perverting the course of justice after a trial at Bradford Crown Court, was sentenced to 15 months in prison suspended for two years with a three month curfew from 7pm to 7am.

Graham Reeds QC told the court after the incident Mr Kaye’s mother Jean was told he had only survived through the skill of paramedics and surgeons but his life hung in the balance for many weeks.

He had spent nine months in Leeds General Infirmary and she had sat with him every day for six months before she felt able to take a day away.

Mark Brookes representing the boy, said he wanted to give his sincere apologies to the victim and his family for the consequences of his single blow which was never intended.

Giles Bridge for Smith said he reacted spontaneously in a difficult situation and now appreciated the consequences of his actions.

Michael Collins, for Sibson, said he was not the creator of the account given but had just followed the story.