IPSWICH: A man was the victim of a “cowardly and vicious” attack after being lured to an Ipswich beauty spot by his ex-girlfriend, it has been alleged.

Liam Rumsey, 21 suffered serious head injuries after being set upon by a group of men who had been recruited by Kristin Burns, with whom he had an “on-off relationship”, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

Michael Crimp, prosecuting, said that on May 2 last year Burns arranged to meet up with Mr Rumsey and had then texted a number of people she knew asking them if they wanted to help “do over” her ex boyfriend because he used to beat her up.

Mr Crimp alleged that Burns lured Mr Rumsey to a quiet spot at the Orwell Country Park at Nacton where he was subjected to a “cowardly and vicious attack”.

“Having been beaten he was left on the ground by his attackers badly injured and bleeding, “ said Mr Crimp.

Mr Rumsey was taken to Ipswich Hospital and then transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after the alarm was raised by two women who saw him being kicked and hit with something and went to his aid.

Mr Rumsey, of Atherton Road, Ipswich, was found to have suffered a severe head injury, and a blood clot and bruising to his brain. He underwent emergency surgery during which part of his skull was removed and replaced with a metal plate.

“Several months later he still suffers from post traumatic seizures,” said Mr Crimp.

Before the court are Lewis Dowe, 22, of Ramsey Close, Ipswich; Matthew Osborn, 21, of Valiant Road, De Brink on the Green, Martlesham; and Darrent Gorham, 22, of Marigold Close, Ipswich. They have all denied inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on Mr Rumsey on May 3 last year.

Mr Crimp said the jury would have to decide if the three defendants were part of a joint enterprise with Burns and David Cooper, 24, of Mildmay Road, Ipswich, to attack Mr Rumsey.

Yesterday afternoon the jury visited the site of the alleged attack at Orwell Country Park.

The trial continues.