Colchester taxi driver returns home to recover after coma fight

Victim Nurul was badly beaten on November 7 in Tower Mill Road Ipswich by Jack Powell, of Lattice Avenue, Ipswich.

After sustaining serious head and facial injuries the beloved family man, who has three children including a baby, spent a month at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Last weekend, however, Nurul was discharged from hospital and is now embarking on the long road to recovery from the comfort of his own home.

Since the attack, generous members of the Colchester and Essex communities have rallied round with a view of raising £10,000 to help Nurul, his wife, and his family.

Without his usual work income and the likelihood of further medical expenses residents fear the family may struggle financially.

In just a matter of weeks the campaign has already generated just shy of £4,000, much to the delight of Dr Nicole Baerg, who is supporting the fundraiser.

She said: “I am excited we are almost half way to our goal and I am really pleased people have donated.

“I encourage people to keep giving if they can and as much as they can because Nurul’s road to full recovery is long.

“The family has already received some of the money and they are really appreciative of the community spirit.”

Nurul, described as “one of the world’s nicest guys”, is understood to have been assaulted after picking up Powell, 19, in Colchester before heading to his home.

When witnesses intervened the attacker fled the scene but was located and arrested by the police just after 4am in Wallace Road.

He has since admitted robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent and has been bailed until a sentencing hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on January 27.

Dr Baerg added: “I have a much greater appreciation for the kinds of occupational risks taxi drivers face now.

“It is a dangerous job yet something we all depend on. I feel like there should be better protection for them.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nurulcolchestersupport.