A RESEARCH scientist was beaten up on a train between Worcester and Malvern by three men who had been drinking strong cider, a jury was told.

Peter Shakespeare swore at Tom Gormley and told him to go away after he went along the carriage shaking passengers' hands.

Gormley returned with two brothers and asked Mr Shakespeare to repeat his comment before he was kicked and punched, said William Rickarby, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

He alleged that when all the men got off the train at Great Malvern, the victim was attacked again in the station's car park and needed an ambulance.

Mr Shakespeare, aged 30, who lives in Great Malvern, suffered severe bruising to both eyes, facial cuts and a painful shoulder.

The jury has been told that Gormley, aged 21, of Randwick Drive, Worcester, has pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Twenty-year-old Lee Bateman, of Cranham Drive, Worcester, and his 17-year-old brother Anthony Bateman, of Maple Avenue, Worcester, both deny ABH.

Mr Rickarby said Gormley had been "trying to provoke people" on the train and the brothers went along with him as back-up.

Mr Rickarby said witnesses saw three men beating up the victim on the car park.

Giving evidence, Lee Bateman accepted they had been drinking strong cider before boarding the 6.52pm train at Foregate Street, Worcester, on Saturday, August 10, last year.

He said he broke up the fight while his brother stood nearby.

He said he saw Gormley and Mr Shakespeare rolling on the ground fighting in the car park.

He pulled Mr Shakespeare up and the trio then went to Malvern Link. The trial continues.