Two teenagers accused of attacking a Japanese student on an Oxford cycle path “did not care” about how seriously hurt he was, a jury heard today.

Thomas Mack and Craig Knowles, both 18, “bragged” about attacking St Edmund Hall student Kentaro Ikeda, now 27, their friend Kieran Abbott told Oxford Crown Court.

The jury has been told Mr Ikeda was left fighting for his life on the cyclepath, and suffered serious brain damage due to the attack.

Mack, of Nicholas Avenue, Marston, denies causing actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm with intent and robbery.

Knowles, of Oxford Road, Old Marston, has admitted all three charges.

Mr Abbott said he had been out with the pair on the evening of the attack on July 31 last year but became separated from them.

He said he then came across a man, who the prosecution say was Mr Ikeda, lying on the cycle track bleeding before meeting Mack and Knowles later that night in Marston.

Referring to the injured man, Mr Abbott said: “I said it looked bad. They (Mack and Knowles) were bragging.

“They did not care.”

In a written statement read to the court, Kerem Bayhan said he came across an injured man on the cycle path in Mesopotamia Walk, near the University Parks, at about 2am that night. He said: “He was lying on his back. He was also wearing glasses. His right lens was covered in blood.

“There was also blood covering the right side of his face.

“I tried to say, ‘Are you okay?’ He made a grunting sound. There was a slight movement of his head.”

Mr Bayhan added he dialled 999 from his mobile telephone.

The case continues.