Father and son admit Walsall pub attack which left man in wheelchair

Darren Cole, a 47-year-old scaffolder from Ruskin Street, West Bromwich, and his 25-year-old son Zach, a gardener from Highfields, Burntwood, both admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm to Leon Hall when they appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court .

They had previously been accused of wounding with intent, but the charges were amended during Tuesday's hearing.

The court was told that Mr Hall could be confined to a wheelchair for life as a result of the attack.

The charges relate to an incident outside outside the Staffordshire Knot pub in Pinfold Street, Darlaston in June.

Mr Mark Rees, prosecuting, asked for the case to be adjourned so that further medical reports could be obtained into Mr Hall's condition.

Judge Philip Parker agreed to Mr Rees's request, and also called for pre-sentence reports into both defendants.

He said he was concerned that the details he had about Mr Hall's health were not up to date, and he wanted to know more about his personal circumstances.

"It sounds likely that he could be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life," said the judge.

"It does not say whether he lives alone, whether he is married.

"I'm not prepared to sentence today without knowing all the essential details about this man."

Neither Mr Timothy Sapwell, representing Darren Cole, nor Miss Alisha Harris, representing Zach Cole, made any objection to the adjournment. No application was made for bail, and both men were remanded to return to court on August 29.

Darren Cole was seated in the court dock while the case was heard, while his son appeared through a video link from HM Prison Hewell where he is being held.

Mr Hall, who was believed to live in the Birmingham Street area of the town, had to be put into a medically induced coma after suffering serious head injuries in the attack.