The future trial of three Leeds United footballers charged with assaulting a student was transferred from Sheffield to Hull Crown Court yesterday, by order of a top judge.
After a short hearing at London's High Court, Mr Justice Henriques directed that the hearing be relocated from Sheffield Crown Court, fixing a trial date for January 29, 2001.
He said: "I have been given certain information, which now makes Sheffield an unsuitable venue for the trial. The case will now commence on January 29, at the Crown Court sitting at Hull."
Midfielder Lee Bowyer, 23, of Leeds, defender Jonathan Woodgate, 20, of Middlesbrough and striker Tony Hackworth, 20, of Leeds have pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sarfraz Najeib, 19.
The charges relate to an alleged assault on Mr Najeib in Leeds city centre in January this year. The three footballers also deny affray, while Mr Woodgate has also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Leeds United defender Michael Duberry, 24, is charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
A pleas and directions hearing is scheduled in his case for a later date.
Neal Caveney, 21, and Paul Clifford, 21, both of Middlesbrough, have denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, affray and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The trial is expected to last at least five weeks
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