DOCTORS have revealed that a 29-year-old man found slumped by a phone box in Pringle Street, Blackburn, on October 13 is in a "permanent vegetative state".

Andrew Rawes is in the Royal Preston Hospital where he is being treated for a serious head injury.

But medics fear he may not survive, Blackburn magistrates were told.

Pizza chef Damian Alfredo Fiocca, 18, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, appeared before the court charged with wounding Mr Rawes, formerly of Burnley Road, Blackburn, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

He was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court.