Two men appeared in court today charged with murdering a 24-year-old man who died 18 months after he was attacked in Telford.

Ismaaeel Rehman suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked in Heath Hill, Dawley, in July 2009. He was found lying in the street and was treated in intensive care for more than six weeks as he recovered after the incident.

After the attack police said he made a ‘brave recovery’ but he was found dead on January 1 this year.

His cause of death was given as a result of post-traumatic epilepsy after suffering a seizure.

Jason Noto, 23, of Powis Place, Dawley Bank, and Robert Jones, 23, of Webb Crescent, Dawley, appeared at Telford Magistrates Court this morning charged with murder.

Both men were arrested on Tuesday and were charged last night after being questioned at Telford’s Malinsgate Police Station.

Noto and Jones spoke only to confirm their names and addresses and were remanded in custody to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on December 5.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, of Telford police, said a third man arrested on suspicion of murder – a 24-year-old– had been bailed pending further inquiries.

Two women – one aged in her 20s and the other her late teens – who were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice also remain on police bail.

“Although two men have been charged we still remain keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have any information about this incident, no matter how insignificant it might seem,” he said.

Mr Rehman, from Dudley, was attacked between 11.30pm on July 16 and 3am on July 17, 2009.

He suffered severe head injuries and was on life support. He collapsed and died at a relative’s house in Willenhall on January 1 after suffering a seizure.

Mr Jamieson, of Telford police, said that several men were arrested in 2009 following the assault on Mr Rehman, but no one was charged.

Police have said that they are still keen to hear from anyone who may have any information about the attack. Call 101.

By Jason Lavan