Mr Newlove confronted the gang outside his Warrington home

Thomas Sherrington said he saw all the gang attack Garry Newlove outside his home on Station Road, Fearnhead.

Mr Sherrington, 18, the boyfriend of Mr Newlove's daughter Zoe, said he checked the victim's pulse, which was "very weak", as he lay on the pavement.

Five teenagers, at Chester Crown Court, deny the murder of the 47-year-old.

Mr Newlove sustained massive head injuries and never regained consciousness. He died at Warrington Hospital two days after the attack on 12 August.

Once the first male had tried to punch him then two others joined in and I saw him drop to his knees. They all started joining in the kicking, to the abdomen, to the back and probably to his head as well Thomas Sherrington

Mr Sherrington, a fitness instructor and student, told the court he saw the sales manager approach the gang to confront them about kicking his wife, Helen's car.

He claims the youths, in turn, surrounded Mr Newlove in an aggressive manner before one of the boys threw the first punch.

He told the court: "Garry was putting his fist up to block them. Once the first male had tried to punch him then two other joined in and I saw him drop to his knees.

"One lad kneed him to the back and the other tried to punch him again.

Lying bleeding

"When Garry was on his knees a male to the right gave him a big kick to side of his face.

"They all started joining in the kicking, to the abdomen, to the back and probably to his head as well."

The prosecution said Mr Newlove's street had been plagued by gangs

Mr Sherrington explained that he then ran to help Zoe, his girlfriend of two-and-a-half years, as she grabbed one of the youths, but as he did so he was punched himself by one of the gang.

It was then that Mr Sherrington went to the aid of Mr Newlove, who was lying bleeding on the ground.

He explained: "Garry was on the floor. He wasn't moving and when I checked his pulse it was very weak.

"He was lying motionless on his side so I ran to my car to obtain a mouthpiece to try to resuscitate him."

Evidence has also been heard from Mr Newlove's wife Helen and their daughters Zoe, 18, Danielle, 15, and 12-year-old Amy.

Four boys, two aged 17, a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Adam Swellings, 19, of Crewe, Cheshire, are accused of murder.