Attack victim teenager regains consciousness

Aaron Richardson, 15, suffered serious head injuries when he was the victim of a vicious assault at the entrance to a funfair on York Racecourse on September 17.

The York High School pupil was critically ill and was placed in a medically induced coma in Leeds General Infirmary, but he has now regained consciousness and is talking to his relatives and friends.

His headteacher, David Ellis, told the Yorkshire Post he had feared the worst when he heard about Aaron’s ordeal.

While the long-term effect on Aaron’s health is not known, Mr Ellis said the dramatic improvements in recent days were hugely encouraging.

Mr Ellis added: “All the staff at the school and Aaron’s friends were desperately worried for him. It has been a horrendous time for everybody.

“Up until only a few days ago, we really did not know whether he was going to pull through – I really did begin to fear the worst.

“But to hear that he is now awake and speaking to people is absolutely brilliant. He is well known by all the staff here, and he is often cracking jokes.

“It is great to see that his sense of humour is still there as he has been joking with friends who have gone to see him in hospital.”

The teenager, who is from Acomb in York, has now written on a Facebook page which has been set up to wish him a speedy recovery to thank more than 700 well-wishers for their support.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday that Aaron continues to improve.

A 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the assault and have been released on bail while police continue with their inquiries.

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