A man has admitted battering another man with a spade in a terrifying attack in Liverpool city centre.
James Coleman pleaded guilty to wounding, affray and possession of an offensive weapon this morning after the incident on Fleet Street on June 25 last year.
Another man, Anthony Hughes, has admitted wounding and affray during the same incident. A third man, Gary Ollard, has denied affray, possession of an offensive weapon and wounding linked to part of the wider incident and will face a trial next year.
READ MORE: Live updates as police cordon off area around Bootle flats
Police were called to disorder in Liverpool city centre just before 7pm last year. Footage of the incident was later shared online as a number of men could be seen fighting in some of the footage, including one man, now confirmed to be Coleman, who used a shovel to hit another man.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed after the incident that two men were arrested in relation to the incident.
The spokesperson said: "Officers were called at just before 7pm to reports that a group of males had been involved in an altercation with two males in a van on Fleet Street. The males are then reported to have left the area in the van prior to patrols arriving.The van was stopped a short time later on Great George Place and two men were arrested.
"A 25 year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and affray.A 26 year-old man from Netherton was arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding and affray.”
Coleman, 26, of Menai Road, Bootle, and Hughes, of Netherton, appeared this morning and pleaded guilty to amended charges against them. Ollard, who was arrested and charged separately to Coleman and Hughes, appeared over video link and said he would plead not guilty to wounding, affray and possession of an offensive weapon.
Judge Anil Murray told Coleman and Hughes that their sentencing would await the outcome of Ollard’s trial, which is due to take place next year.
READ NEXT:
Live updates as police cordon off area around Bootle flats
Alleged drug dealer arrested over Ashley Dale murder
Seven Rangers fans arrested after Liverpool FC Champions League match
Dad arrested 'for murder' after bid to save tragic Adelphi woman 'would do it again'
DWP announces changes to PIP decision making process for claimants
