Teacher hit by javelin dies

A TEACHER injured by a javelin in a freak accident at a leading independent school died in hospital yesterday.

Jon Desborough was taking an athletics session at Liverpool College when his eye was pierced by the blunt end of the javelin. The 41-year- old PE and geography teacher is believed to have lost his footing as he went to retrieve the javelin.

Mr Desborough, who was married with two daughters, had worked at the school in the Mossley Hill area of the city for nearly 10 years. He had been in a coma since the accident last month, and was moved this week to an intensive therapy unit at Fazakerley Hospital, suffering from a chest infection.

Jon Siviter, principal of Liverpool College, said yesterday: "Jon Desborough died peacefully in his sleep this morning as a result of the injuries he sustained from the javelin that he fell on and ensuing medical complications.

"Staff, pupils and parents are keeping the family at the forefront of their thoughts and prayers throughout this profoundly sad, extremely distressing and difficult time for them.

"The chaplain and college counsellor will be available over the next few days for any pupils or staff who feel they need support."