AN assault victim stunned medics by waking from a coma and breathing on his own.

Jens Wair, 30, suffered a bleed on the brain after he was knocked unconscious in St John’s Street, Colchester.

A doctor’s statement read in court a week ago said they feared Jens would have long-term brain damage and could die.

Family and friends have revealed he woke on Monday and has spoken for the first time.

The extent of his brain injuries is still not known, Micheline Wair-Collins, posting on a Facebook charity page set up for Jens, said: “Jens had his breathing tube removed and was able to talk to us for the first time. After eight days of being completely under he was quite groggy.

He has a road to travel yet.

“As with all brain injuries it takes time for the brain to fully heal, but he has come out at the best end of the prognosis given by his doctors at Addenbroke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and it is such a relief.”

Jens plays in goal for New Field FC, is a bowler for Eight Ash Green cricket club and a keen fisherman.

Terry Fitton, whose sons grew up with Jens, said: “It is remarkable. We hope and pray he makes a full recovery.

He is someone I have known since he was a boy and he is a genuinely nice guy. It is such a relief.”

Jens was celebrating his 30th birthday and left the Dirty Penguin, in St John’s Street, on Saturday, April 11 at 2.40am. He was knocked unconscious and hit his head on the ground.

He was flown to Addenbrooke’s and placed in an induced coma.

Mickey Borthwick, 23, of Lisle Road, Colchester, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm. He entered no plea when he appeared at court and has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court.

MatthewBenge, 25, of Circular Road South, Colchester, has been charged with common assault relating to the same incident.