A man suspected of throwing a harmful liquid in his lover’s ex-partner's eyes then stamping on his head has appeared in court.

Gregory Davies’ alleged victim, Justin Eastwood, suffered a brain haemorrhage and broken facial bones after the reported attack.

Davies, 36, was seen tossing an axe before officers arrested him nearby – he went on to assault the constables inside their patrol car a court heard.

Neighbours thought Mr Eastwood was dead when they discovered him unconscious, with a footprint on his face, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Stephen Shay told the jury today: “Mr Eastwood was attacked by Davis who threw some kind of liquid over his eyes.

“There was a struggle over the bottle, the liquid ended up going over both men, Davis then resumed his attack punching Mr Eastwood repeatedly in the face.

“He lost consciousness and woke up, Mr Davies stamped on his head, when he regained consciousness Davies was gone.”

The alleged attack happened in Rowland Drive, Greenhill on July 24 last year at 10.40pm, reportedly as part of a feud between the two men.

Davies pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer and possessing an offensive weapon at a previous hearing.

However he denies the more serious charge of causing wounding with intent, which can carry a life sentence.

Mr Shay said Mr Eastwood was reluctant to be treated at a nearby hospital.

However, tests later revealed he’d suffered a bleed on the brain and various facial fractures.

Judge Catherine Brown heard Davies, represented by Phil Rowley, had entered a new relationship with the alleged victim’s ex-partner Hayley Silk.

The reported violence centred on a remark the alleged victim made about the defendant days before the incident, the court heard.

Appearing in the dock wearing a dark sweater, Davies, of Thornden Wood Road in Greenhill, was remanded in custody following the trial's opening.

It is expected to last 3-4 days.

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