Opening arguments were presented Tuesday in the trial of three men accused of viciously assaulting a New York City firefighter from Mastic Beach

Christopher Robinson and twins Darian and Darrel Taylor face 25 years each in prison for the alleged attack on Firefighter Richard Berkout last year. On Sept. 11, 2006, Berkout was walking with his wife when the trio's car sped by, prosecutors said. Berkout shouted at the car to slow down, at which point the defendants allegedly beat him up.

Roslyn Taylor, the twin defendants' sister, said there was much more to it.

"The guy said 'Slow down you N--.' Then the lady came to the car and slapped Darian and when the husband saw that he tried to help," Roslyn Taylor said. "And that's when Christopher got out of the car and punched him in the face. There was no gang assault."

Robinson was released from an upstate prison on the morning of the attack. He served four years for severely injuring a 16-year-old by punching him in the face in Patchogue.

Berkout suffered intense injuries and remains on light duty.

Dozens of firefighters attended the trial to show support for the alleged victim.

"We're a brotherhood, a family. That's what we do," said fellow firefighter Chris Lindberg.