by Lynn Cox

lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk

A man beaten unconscious in a mass brawl has opened his eyes for the first time since the fight.

Spencer Dodgson, 27, of Scholars Rise, Strood, was left fighting for his life after the incident outside the Casino Rooms nightclub, Rochester, in the early hours of Sunday, March 14.

He is being treated in a specialist London hospital where mum Sue and stepfather Grant Healey have been with him every day.

Spencer suffered severe bruising on his brain during the fight in the Blue Boar Lane car park at 3.10am.

Mr Healey said on Wednesday : “He opened his eyes for the first time yesterday. It was great.

“He is now breathing on his own too, but has not spoken to us yet.

“He knows we are there, and when we ask him to move and lift his arm, he can do that.

“It’s brilliant that he is making progress. There have been a few setbacks, he suffered a collapsed lung the other day, but it’s like he’s taking little baby steps to recovery every day.”

Doctors feel Spencer will soon be able to leave intensive care.

Police arrested an eighth man on Wednesday in connection with the incident. The 22-year-old from London has been released on bail until May 12.

Six men previously arrested have been released from custody.

Three were bailed pending further inquiries, one was cautioned for public order offences and the two others were released without charge.

A seventh man, from London, who was arrested later on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent has been bailed until May 12.

uE06E Anyone with information is asked to call DS Chris Dovey on 01634 792474.