Multiple fractures a man suffered in his nose after being kicked before he later died showed he was kicked with "severe" force, according to a pathologist.

Nigel Mazs, 59, had been smoking drugs with friends in the communal area of Malakoff Close, Great Yarmouth, when he was confronted by Martin Montgomery.

Malakoff Close flatsMalakoff Close flats (Image: Denise Bradley) Norwich Crown Court heard Mr Mazs suffered a catastrophic brain injury when hitting his head after he fell when he was kicked by Montgomery.

Mr Mazs died in hospital on January 4 this year, almost two weeks after he was found by police in Regent Road after the attack at around 11am on December 22.

Montgomery, of Russell Road, Yarmouth, has gone on trial having denied murder although he has admitted a lesser charge of manslaughter.

Giving evidence on Monday, Dr Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow, a consultant forensic pathologist, confirmed Mr Mazs died from a "traumatic brain injury".

She said Mr Mazs suffered a 13.5cm skull fracture which resulted in a massive extradural haemorrhage as well as other brain injuries.

Nigel MazsNigel Mazs (Image: From family of Nigel Mazs) Mr Mazs underwent surgery at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge to "evacuate the clot and relieve pressure" on the brain.

The jury heard the brain injury caused to the back of the head and other injuries suffered by Mr Mazs were consistent with falling heavily - or an accelerated fall - on a hard floor.

Dr Fitzpatrick-Swallow said the bridge of Mr Mazs' nose had been fractured in a number of places with some of the fractures having been displaced.

She said the cause of this type of injury is caused by "blunt force trauma", in that "something hard has hit the front of the face".

The expert witness said this could be as a result of punches, a kick or stamps or by being hit with a weapon.

She said the degree of force needed to inflict the nasal fractures and brain injuries - following an accelerated fall to the floor - would be in the "severe category".

Dr Fitzpatrick-Swallow said as Mr Mazs was bending down at the point he was kicked it was possible he could have "gone up and back" as he fell.

This would "generate a significant amount of momentum" resulting in a harder impact on the floor.

The trial continues.