Ex-Hibs star Deegan tells court: attack broke jaw

A FORMER Hibs player has told a court he could not play for three months after his jaw was broken in an alleged early morning attack in the capital.

Former Hibernian player Gary Deegan outside court yesterday. Picture: Jane Barlow

Gary Deegan, 26, told Edinburgh Sheriff Court he needed two operations after he was allegedly assaulted on the city’s George Street in October 2012.

The court heard how Mr Deegan had spent a Saturday night partying with team-mates in the Shanghai nightclub.

The midfielder admitted he urinated in the street outside.

Mr Deegan then said he had asked a group of revellers where he could find a taxi shortly after 2:30am. He said a member of the group then punched him in the face.

Mr Deegan, currently at English side Northampton Town, was giving evidence on the first day of proceedings against 28-year-old John Hall.

Prosecutors allege Hall, of Gilmerton, Edinburgh, assaulted Mr Deegan to his severe injury in the city centre on 7 October, 2012.

Surgeons had to operate on Mr Deegan twice to reset his jaw.

Hall has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues.