Liam Smith Faces GBH Trial After Alleged Tower Attack

Former WBO welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light-middleweight champion Liam Smith appeared at Manchester Crown Court facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged attack on a concierge worker in September.

The BBC reports that Judge Tom Gilbart referenced CCTV footage during the hearing, stating that part of the recording shows Smith delivering strikes to the head of someone on the floor who could not stand. The alleged victim, Laurent Nke, suffered facial injuries and required hospital treatment after the incident at The Blade tower block on Silvercroft Street in Deansgate on 13 September.

Court Sets 2028 Trial Date For Smith

Smith, 38, was not asked to enter pleas during the brief hearing. Judge Gilbart adjourned proceedings until 28 November and fixed a provisional trial date for the week commencing 15 March 2028. The judge granted bail with conditions barring Smith from contacting Nke or entering Manchester except for court appearances and solicitor appointments.

Smith held the WBO title from 2015 to 2016 and has fought Canelo Alvarez during his career. Most recently he split a pair of fights with Chris Eubank Jr, winning in January 2023 before losing the rematch eight months later. He was scheduled to return to the ring in Finland on 4 September but withdrew due to a calf injury.

Source: bbc.co.uk