Man Left Brain Damaged After Vicious Assault On Greek Island
The mother of a former footballer who suffered serious brain injuries after he was brutally attacked outside a nightclub in Malia, Crete, five years ago is heading back to the Greek island once again this week to attend an appeal hearing into the prosecution of four men in relation to the assault.Robbie Hughes, who played professional football for clubs including Oxford United, Sutton United and Croydon Athletic, was left in a coma and needed four operations in as many months following the attack during a holiday on Crete in June 2008 which left him with substantial brain damage and memory problems.
Four men were found guilty in relation to the incident in November 2012 and were sentenced to four years in jail and to pay Robbie damages. However they appealed the conviction and the hearing is due to begin on 30 September after being postponed last year.
Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury specialists are representing Robbie and his mother Maggie, from Wallington in Surrey, and are working with legal experts in Greece to gain justice over the incident and get him access to vital funds to aid his ongoing rehabilitation needs via a civil claim.
Expert Opinion
“The vicious assault that Robbie suffered in 2008 has had a huge effect on his life, leaving him with injuries which meant that he could not recall the attack and was unable to recognise family and friends.
“Robbie’s family, and in particular his mother, have fought tirelessly for many years. They have been back to Crete numerous times as they seek justice on Robbie’s behalf and hope that this latest appeal will be the last time that they have to contend with the criminal courts in Crete.
“We are continuing to provide support to Robbie and Maggie in relation to his terrible case and remain determined to work to ensure he is able to access funds which mean he can get access to vital care and support to improve his quality of life.” Demetrius Danas - Partner
Maggie Hughes, who has campaigned tirelessly for justice for Robbie and also to improve the rights of victims in relation to such attacks abroad, said: “It has been an immensely difficult seven years not only supporting Robbie but also striving for justice over this incident which has completely changed his life.
“This has been a long and drawn out process which has proved a distraction from our real focus – getting Robbie the help and support he needs to get the best from life. We will tirelessly continue the battle for justice to ensure he is able to access vital professional support to aid his continuing recovery.”
“We hope that we can finally see that justice is done.”
Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Accidents Abroad Claims.