A man accused of assaulting a father and leaving him with life threatening injuries is to stand trial at Kingston Crown Court.

Michael Broom, 46, of Rhodrons Avenue, Hook, denies assaulting Mark Haley on Sunday, August 21, outside Tesco Express in Hook Parade.

Mr Broom appeared via a video link at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning for the short hearing.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Mr Broom denied grievous bodily harm with intent at a previous hearing.

Magistrates committed him for trial at Crown Court based on the seriousness of the charge and the likely severity of a sentence if he was found guilty.

There was no application for bail from his legal representative James Lefroy.

Mark Haley, a 51-year-old BT engineer who lives in nearby Holmwood Avenue, received life-threatening head injuries in the incident.

The dual carriageway outside Hook Parade was closed off to allow an air ambulance to land and take Mr Haley to an east London hospital.

His son, Jimmy Haley, said he was still in an induced coma nearly a month afterwards but was making some progress.

Mr Broom will next appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 18.