NINE teenagers appeared at Liverpool Crown Court this week charged in connection with an alleged gang attack on an 18-year-old man in Sherdley Park earlier this summer.

Four girls and four boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have all been charged with malicious wounding with intent to harm Craig Rooney (pictured) in an alleged gang assault on May 22.

Another defendant, a boy aged 16, also appeared in court charged with using or threatening unlawful violence.

Many of the teenagers were accompanied to court by their parents.

A tenth defendant, 18-year-old James Michael Ellison, of North Road, St Helens, who faces charges of wounding with intent and two offences of violent disorder, appeared in court via video-link.

Each defendant spoke only to confirm their names.

In a 15-minute hearing, Judge David Aubrey QC outlined the need for further preliminary court appearances and fixed a provisional trial date for Monday, January 5.

He also extended the bail of nine of the defendants, along with a detailed list of conditions which include a curfew order at their home addresses between 8pm and 6am every night. They are not allowed to enter Sherdley Park unless making a notified visit with their legal representative.

As previously reported in the Star, the alleged attack left 18-year-old Craig Rooney, of Widnes, in intensive care and needing emergency brain surgery.

The apprentice engineer and part-time chef continues to receive extensive treatment for his injuries.