A FATHER-OF-ONE who suffered brain damage in an assault as he walked home after a game of snooker more than four months ago now might not survive his injuries.

The condition of 35-year-old Simon Hackett has worsened, Bradford Crown Court was told yesterday.

Prosecutor Dave MacKay told Judge David Hatton QC that Mr Hackett's deteriorating condition could have a profound effect on the charges brought.

Jordan Docherty, 20, pleaded guilty yesterday to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Hackett, the dad of an 11-year-old daughter, on September 20 last year.

But well built, clean shaven Docherty, of Worthing Head Road, Wyke, Bradford, denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mr MacKay asked for yesterday's plea and trial preparation hearing to be adjourned for two weeks.

He told Judge Hatton: "You will be aware of the nature of the offence and the serious injuries that were occasioned.

"The Crown would ask for two weeks to consider the pleas and the medical condition of the victim, which I understand is worsening and he may not recover. That will have an impact on potential future charges."

Mr Hackett suffered serious head injuries and was left in a critical condition after hitting his head when he fell to the ground during the assault. He was detained in intensive care at Leeds General Infirmary and had two operations to remove part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain.

Mr Hackett was making his way home after playing snooker with a friend at Buttershaw Lane Working Men's Club, when the incident happened in St Helena Road, Wibsey.

Mr MacKay said there had been an indication of plea at the magistrates court and there was a pre-sentence report.

He added: "The issues have been considered for a little time and need to be discussed at length with the officer and the family."

Docherty's barrister, Mark Brookes, said the Crown's position was "entirely appropriate" and the issue of causation may be relevant to a more serious charge.

Docherty, who has short light brown hair and was dressed in blue jeans and a dark blue hooded top, had previously been on conditional bail.

But Mr Brooks said his client wanted his bail to be withdrawn and asked to be remanded in custody.

Mr Brooks said: "At the time of this offence he was subject to a community order for a public order offence and he is in breach of that order."

He conceded there was a risk of further offending.

Judge Hatton agreed to the adjournment and remanded the defendant in custody.

After the hearing, Mr Hackett's partner, Caroline Sykes, 45, said he was due to have a tenth operation on his head.

During previous surgery he has had two metal plates inserted in his head and shunts and drains put in to remove fluid from around his brain.

Ms Sykes said: "He has got multiple brain injury. He is on a special neuro head injury ward, but he is in and out of intensive care. He is having another operation to put in a shunt.

"He is in and out of consciousness. Sometimes he is aware of me, but not very often. He cannot speak, he has a tracheostomy. He spends a lot of time unconscious or sleeping.

"He is on oxygen and is more prone to infection. The surgeon has told me they have never had a case as bad as Simon's.

"His condition is worsening. They are having to look at his condition on a daily basis."

Ms Sykes added: "I am not coping. We visit Simon every day and every day is very precious."