THE police have released photographs of the two High Wycombe footballers jailed for their part in a brutal attack which left a young man fighting for his life.

Edward George, 37, of Micklefield Road, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years and Richard Gould, 28, of Woodland Close, for seven years at Swindon Crown Court last Thursday for assaulting student Gurpal Samra. The 26-year-old suffered horrific injuries including a shattered spleen, and serious damage to his liver, kidney and pancreas. Sixteen months on he still needs round-the-clock care and is fed through tubes.

Sam Kaur, the victim's sister, said: "Our brother's life hangs in the balance, but if it was not for a young woman called Simone Craig our brother would not have a life, as uncertain as it is."

Miss Craig, one of several witnesses, stepped in to drag the victim from an attacking group, as he lay on the floor after a drunken brawl outside Farnborough College of Technology in the early hours of November 17, 2002.

She had been on a coach trip with a group, including Gould and George, who had gone to Farnborough for a party when the attack took place.

Her bravery was recognised by Judge Tom Longbotham, who called the attack "terrifying", and awarded her £250.

But the 20-year-old student was unaware the judge planned to reward her actions. She said: "I got off the coach and just got in the middle of what happened. It was not an act of bravery, I just did what any other decent person would have done. I'm only assuming the award was made because I made a stand and helped the person."

Judge Longbotham said: "This attack must have been terrifying. Almost all of the men on the coach poured off the coach and many were kicking and punching or otherwise assaulting Gurpal."

George and Gould, of Hazlemere-based side Kingston United FC, were convicted by a jury of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and George of perverting the course of justice. Six other men were acquitted in relation to the case.

Det Sgt Ray Massie, of Aldershot CID, added that Simone had done her civic duty by testifying and said: "Between ten and 20 people kicked this bloke while he was on the ground.

"Her bravery stands out, so much so that the judge publicly commended her."