THE injuries inflicted on football fan Leigh Shaw were so horrific that his skull disintegrated when examined by the police pathologist, a jury heard.

Lewes Crown Court was told Mr Shaw's skull was fractured in the attack outside Valley Social Club in Whitehawk Way, Brighton.

Heather Hallett QC, prosecuting, said: "When Mr Shaw's skull was examined by police pathologist Dr Ian Hill said it was so badly fractured that it went into small pieces as he tried to examine it."

The court had earlier heard West Ham fan Mr Shaw, 37, of Plaistow Close, Brighton, died after being hit with a sock filled with pool balls and stamped on.

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Colin Stacey, 30, of Plaistow Close, and Ryan Bish, 23, of Limney Road, both deny murdering Mr Shaw.

Stacey is also charged with maliciously wounding Mr Shaw with attempt to cause grievous bodily harm.

The jury heard Mr Shaw, who worked for American Express and had played football for Sussex County League side Saltdean United, was killed because he came from London and supported West Ham.

Miss Hallett said that both defendants blamed each other for the attack. Mr Shaw's blood was found on Bish's trainers and the sweatshirt worn by Stacey.

She said that the two had told police that Mr Shaw had threatened them, but added: "There was no evidence to suggest that Mr Shaw had wanted to get involved in the fight inside or outside the club."

She described Stacey as a fanatical Brighton and Hove Albion fan, and said he had an argument with Mr Shaw because he supported West Ham.

Stacey had filled a sock with balls from the pool table and had taken a swing at Leigh Shaw, Miss Hallett added.

Stacey had been told to leave the club after the initial attack and Bish went with him.

But they later returned just before closing time and were allowed back in.

Witness Robert Burtenshaw, then chairman of the social club, said he heard Stacey tell Mr Shaw: "You look down upon us because you come from London".

The jury heard that Stacey lifted his shirt to show his Seagull tattoo.

During the argument on the merits of West Ham and Albion, Mr Shaw had stuck up for the Albion saying they were a good team and he had even had a trial for one of their youth sides.

The trial continues.

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