A 23-YEAR-OLD man fractured a pensioner's face when he hit him with a brick at his grandfather's funeral, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Damien Fry had been drinking heavily at the send-off when he struck George Thompson, 73, who crashed to the ground bleeding profusely.

Fry, of Saxton Avenue, Buttershaw, Bradford, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Thompson on July 31 last year.

Prosecutor John Harrison told the court today that the funeral was taking place at Little Horton Social Cycling Club on New Cross Street, Little Horton, Bradford.

Fry and his mother were having an altercation outside. She was telling him to "calm down and have some respect" when he picked up a stone or brick from a garden.

Mr Thompson, a mourner at the funeral, got between mother and son and threw his beer at the defendant.

Mr Harrison said the men tussled and ended up on the ground.

Mr Thompson was getting up when Fry hit him in the face with the brick.

He was helped to a chair and an ambulance called.

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The pensioner had suffered a fractured eye socket and fracture to the front section of his forehead.

His head wound was stitched but he was referred back to the hospital complaining of double vision and headaches.

Fry told the police he was "fresh but not blathered" and said alcohol made him angry.

CCTV of the incident was played in the courtroom.

The court heard Fry had convictions for affray and battery, dating back four years.

Mr Harrison said Mr Thompson was a vulnerable victim who intervened to protect Fry's mother.

"This offence was committed in a sensitive setting in the presence of others," he added.

Phillip Ainge, Fry's solicitor advocate, said the CCTV footage showed Mr Thompson making "a clear move" towards the defendant. They then both fell over.

Judge Mark Savill adjourned sentence until July 15 for a victim statement to be sought from Mr Thompson.

The court heard that the Crown did not know if he wanted to make one or not.

The judge also asked Mr Harrison to enquire if there was an up to date medical report.

The last news about Mr Thompson's condition after the attack was from late last year when he was due to see an eye specialist.

Fry's bail was enlarged until the next hearing.