A boy aged 14 and two other teenagers will go on trial next year charged with grievous bodily harm after a dad was allegedly battered within an inch of his life

A boy aged 14 and two other teenagers will go on trial next year charged with grievous bodily harm after a dad was allegedly battered within an inch of his life as he tried to protect his young son.

Alan Willson, 46, a care worker, allegedly stepped in after his son Ashley, 11, was confronted by youths at a popular park.

But as he intervened to help his son the father of three, from Worthing, West Sussex was allegedly beaten by three youths.

Mr Willson suffered serious brain injuries, fractures to his spine, lung trauma and several broken bones in the alleged attack at Longcroft Park on Easter Sunday (April 4).

He was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery on his brain before spending months recuperating.

Police said the care worker suffered 'life-changing injuries' in the alleged attack and is now continuing his rehabilitation in a specialist facility.

Sussex Police launched a major investigation into the incident and initially arrested the youths before releasing them on conditional bail while officers carried out their enquiries.

Alan Willson, 46, (pictured with wife Annie) a care worker, allegedly stepped in after his son Ashley, 11, was confronted by youths at a popular park

Mr Willson was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery on his brain before spending months recuperating (Pictured: Longcroft Park, scene of alleged attack)

Police on the scene of the alleged assault in Longcroft Park on April 4. Three teenagers, aged 14, 15 and 17, have now been charged and will face trial 

Mr Willson suffered serious brain injuries, fractures to his spine, lung trauma and several broken bones in the alleged attack at Longcroft Park on Easter Sunday (April 4) (Pictured: Taped off scene)  

Last month (OCT) three youths, aged 17, 15 and 14 years, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with 'unlawfully and maliciously' attacking Mr Willson.

Today they appeared at Lewes Crown Court where all three denied a single charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Alan Willson with intent at Longcroft Park in Worthing, West Sussex, on Easter Sunday (April 4).

All three spoke only to confirm their dates of birth and to plead not guilty to the charge. 

They will all go on trial next year and were released on conditional bail.

In a statement released at the time by the victim's wife, Annie Willson, she said: 'I am so grateful to everybody for their well-wishes and donations in the weeks and months following the assault on my husband.

'We have been overwhelmed and touched by the kindness and generosity people have gone out of their way to show to me and my family.

'I would like to thank the medical staff who did such an amazing job looking after my husband in hospital, and my children for being so supportive at what has been such a difficult time for us all.

The trio accused of attacking Mr Willson appeared at Lewes Crown Court (pictured) where all three denied a single charge of causing grievous bodily harm to with intent

'While the investigation is still ongoing, we will not be commenting or speaking any further and we continue to ask that our privacy is respected during this time so we can focus on my husband's recovery.'

A fundraising page was set up by pal Cheryl Edwards to help raise money for his family.

Friends and well-wishers inundated the appeal with donations and it soared to nearly £37,000 before being closed in August.

The victim's daughter, Becky Willson, thanked supporters for their generosity.

She wrote: 'Words can not describe (how grateful) I am of how much has been given to help my mum and family out at this time.

'I'm so so shocked this will help my mum out so much while my dad is in hospital thank you so so much every one.'

Mr Wilson's older brother Barrie, 52, said: 'It's awful. It has left our whole family devastated. We are broken and in pieces. 

'He's such a kind, lovely chap and he did absolutely nothing wrong.'