A GANG of youths attacked a lone Saints fan and left him with a fractured skull after pursuing and taunting him with Pompey slurs, a court heard.

Businessman Jason Davis hit the ground so hard a "loud crack" was heard by bystanders after he was struck by a group of youngsters in Hythe.

Now two 16-year-olds are standing trial at Southampton Youth Court accused of the attack.

They cannot be named for legal reasons, but one is accused of causing grievous bodily harm and another of assault. Both are charged with a joint public order offence and deny all charges.

At the opening day of the trial, prosecutor Kate Fenwick told the court how Mr Davis - who runs a window fitting business - had spent the evening of October 25 watching Saints vs Liverpool match in a pub in the town with a friend.

Later on Mr Davis - who was wearing a Saints shirt - was seen confronted by seven youths in the St Johns Street area who were shouting"Portsmouth are better" and other more foul mouthed chants, it was said.

The youths briefly followed him shouting "come back here, we'll have you".

Ms Fenwick told the court: "There appears to be a fracas between the victim and one of the youths and the victim struck out at the youngster."

She said some of the youngsters had been "riled" and pursued him to nearby St John's Church.

One boy punched Jason in the head before one of the others punched their victim in the back of the head as he was trying to flee. He landed face-first on the floor, jurors were told.

When Jason tried to get up, the first youth landed another punch to his head causing him to fall backwards, causing a "loud crack" which Ms Fenwick said was heard by bystanders from a distance.

The court heard how Jason's injuries included a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain - injuries which leave him with memory loss of that night and a "long lasting impact" on his life as he continues to recover.

The youths made no attempt to help their fallen victim and appeared to be laughing as he lay on the floor, prosecutors said.

Both boys are expected to say they acted in self defence, with one claiming that Jason hit him first, Ms Fenwick said.

The court heard how the Mr Davis had drunk at least six pints of beer on the evening but did not appear drunk and was in "high spirits" and "friendly".

Passerby Mark Rutherford told the court how he saw Mr Davis looking "bewildered" as he was taunted by youths and offered to help him.

He said two youths appeared to be "showing off" while five were hanging back.

Mr Rutherford said the youths behaviour appeared "unthreatening" and said he left Mr Davis and went on his way.

The trial is expected to last four days.

A 15-year-old has pleaded guilty to a public order offence and will be sentenced later.

Proceeding.