Petrol station worker unlikely to survive - court

A petrol station worker who was seriously injured when he tried to stop a driver leaving without paying for their fuel is "increasingly unlikely" to survive, a court has heard.

Srisankar Subramanian, 23, was injured as a black Audi S3 was driven out of the Esso garage on Castleford Road, Normanton, at 02:22 BST on Sunday.

Taghan Bal, 18, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Mr Subramanian with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

Mr Bal, an apprentice accountant, gave no indication of how he would plead to the allegations and was remanded in custody.

Prosecuting, Lauren Fisher said the opinion of neurosurgeons was that Mr Subramanian was "increasingly unlikely to survive his brain injury".

Judge Charlotte Holland refused Mr Bal's application for bail, which featured an offer of a £20,000 security payment from his family.

The defendant, of Wyatts Green Road, Wyatts Green, Essex, wiped away tears and blew kisses to his family members in court for the hearing, including his parents.

He is also accused of dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, making off without payment and displaying a false number plate.

His co-defendant Aderoju Adeniran, 31, appeared at the same court on Thursday charged with perverting the course of justice, making off without payment and displaying a false number plate.

Mr Adeniran, of Central Street, Islington, London also gave no indication of a plea and was remanded in custody.

Both men are due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 21 November.

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