A man is facing prison after pleading guilty to an an assault which put his victim in a coma.
Noel Reynolds was hospitalised for more than three weeks after being struck by William Longworth.
The one-punch attack left the 37-year-old in a state of unconsciousness from which he never recovered.
The 36-year-old carried out the assault in North Shields, a town on the North East coast.
It happened on the evening of December 10 and a weeks-long effort to revive Mr Reynolds followed.
Despite doctors’ best attempts, he died in hospital on January 3.
Now Longworth has pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court.
His partner Marie Office, 37, admitted acts intended to pervert the course of justice by giving Longworth a false alibi.
The pair will be sentenced at a court hearing on December 22.
Speaking previously, detective inspector Louise Jenkins said: ‘Firstly, our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Noel and we will continue to offer his family specialist support while they continue to come to terms with what has happened.
‘I also want to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported our investigation, as well as the local community for your support and cooperation.’
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