A champion athlete feared his Olympic dreams would be shattered when a mob threatened to break his legs, a court heard.

Medal hopeful Jared Deacon, 29, was pelted with makeshift missiles before being punched in the face as he passed through Horsley Hill Square, South Shields, South Tyneside, on the way back from visiting his mother in August.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Deacon used his mobile phone to call his brothers, David and John, for help, but all three had bottles and cans thrown at them by a gang of up to 20 youths.

Mr Deacon was unable to escape because his Vespa scooter had been kicked to the ground which resulted in the engine flooding.

John Deacon told the court how he heard members of the mob tell his brother, a winner of European and Commonwealth gold medals in the 400m relay: "We will break your legs. You won't be going to the Olympics."

Craig Winter, 18, of Cheviot Road, South Shields, denies affray, and assaulting Jared Deacon by beating.

Ross Young, 17, of Lumley Avenue, South Shields, denies affray, damaging property in relation to the bike and common assault on David Deacon.

Mr Winter told jurors yesterday he was a few streets away chatting with friends when the attack happened.

Mr Young said he was at home with his family at the time. He remembered the day clearly because it was the day before his 17th birthday and the day of Newcastle United's first match of the season.

He told the court he had watched the match at the Marsden Inn with his mother, father, aunt and uncle and had then went home where he remained all night.

The trial continues.