A YOB is facing a "significant" prison sentence for a drunken rampage through a town centre during which he punched strangers at random.

One of the victims - soldier Albert Duffy - was left in a coma with a fractured skull after the attack by Keith Anderson.

Anderson, 28, also assaulted Adam Crosbie when he refused to give him a cigarette, causing a broken nose and jaw and bleed to the brain.

At Teesside Crown Court yesterday (Monday, January 12), he admitted charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and causing grievous bodily harm.

Anderson, of Throston Grange Lane, Hartlepool, will be sentenced within the next five weeks after background reports have been prepared.

The court heard he has convictions for violence, and the judge, Recorder Patrick Palmer wants to examine how much of a risk he poses.

If burly Anderson is assessed as a dangerous offender, he could be given an extended sentence for the protection of the public.

The court heard how Mr Duffy is still an inpatient at a rehab centre for service personnel six months after the horrific early hours attack in Hartlepool.

Prosecutor Robin Turton said he has undergone a "complete change of personality" and has problems with his memory and cognitive skills.

In an impact statement, the squaddie's mother tells in "graphic terms" the consequences for Mr Duffy and his family, Mr Turton told the court.

The victim - who has no recollection of the unprovoked assault in Victoria Road on July 27 - was in court to hear Anderson's guilty pleas.

Defence barrister, Ian Mullarkey, said the farm-hand was "brave" to admit the most serious charge, and was sorry for the injuries he caused.

He said the attacks - both single punches - were "a very significant departure" from his earlier convictions for common assault and affray.

Mr Recorder Palmer told father-of-one Anderson: "You know when it comes to sentence, you face a significant prison sentence."

In between the two assaults - just minutes apart - Anderson also threatened to pull a taxi driver from his car and knock him out.

Mr Duffy suffered a fractured skull and haemorrhages on both sides of his brain after he fell backwards and smashed his head on the ground.

Mr Crosbie - found slumped against a bus stop with his face covered in blood, and blood coming from his ears - was also taken to hospital.

He needed surgery to remove a clot from his brain, and to have a metal plate inserted into his face to remedy the fractured cheekbone.

Anderson was remanded in custody until the next hearing.