Kearon McNicol defies odds to survive street attack

A teenager who was left fighting for his life after a street attack in the Black Country has defied the odds to return home to his family.

Kearon McNicol underwent a five-hour brain operation and doctors had told his mother Caroline to prepare for the worst.

But after an astonishing recovery, the 19-year-old is today back home with his family and friends in Blakenall. He was given a warm welcome by his mother, stepfather Andrew Cooper, girlfriend Karla Hanley, 17, brother Ryan, 13, and sister Mia, three.

His family said they were "over the moon" to have him back home.

Former Shelfield Academy pupil Kearon, who spent around two weeks in a coma, today said: "I'm so pleased to be at home again. I was getting really bored in hospital and was desperate to get home. Lots of people have been popping in to see me and I had lots of visitors while I was in there too.

"I've had a lot of support from people and it is nice to know they care."

Kearon will have regular appointments at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital over the next few weeks but is expected to make a full recovery. He hopes to go to Walsall College next year to study public services, and one day plans to join the Army.

His mother Caroline, aged 36, said: "I'm so pleased he is going to be alright — these past few weeks have been such a nightmare. He is walking well although he is a little unbalanced but he will get there.

"He has done ever so well and even the doctors are amazed at how well he is doing.

"The surgeons and doctors were brilliant — they kept him alive."

Manchester United fan Kearon says he does not remember much about the attack.

Police were called to reports of a large fight in Ryle Street, Blakenall Heath, on October 9. Robert Bagnall, aged 24, of Wye Road, has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.