A BOXER who put a man in a coma with a slap said he was remorseful but that the victim had tried to fight him and threatened to stab him first.

Jonathan Shaw appeared sombre and serious in court as he admitted grievous bodily harm (section 20) after talking for an hour with family and friends, including his partner who is pregnant with his child.

David-Paul Hannay suffered a bleed on the brain and was placed in an induced coma following the single blow struck outside Keystones in Worcester on November 3 last year. The blow was previously described as a 'pre-emptive strike' by Shaw's solicitor.

The 30-year-old of Mendip Close, Malvern denies the more serious charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent (section 18). The count he has admitted refers to a lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm (section 20).

The defendant pleaded guilty on a basis which was read out in court by his advocate, Jason Patel.

The basis is as follows: "I Jonathan Shaw will plead guilty to section 20 GBH on the following basis: Mr Hannay approached me a number of times inside and outside - I did not want to talk to him and he was told this on a number of occasions.

Just after midnight he approached me outside when I was with Mitchell Griffiths and Michael Slater. I again said I didn't want to talk.

"Mr Hannay talked about fighting me and stabbing me. I then misjudged his movement - this caused me to hit him with an open palm slap. I regret my actions and am remorseful."

The case was adjourned until November 11 this year for sentence. A probation report was ordered in the meantime. The Crown also need time to consider the basis of plea put forward by the defence and to obtain a medical update on the condition and progress of Mr Hannay.

Read the full story in tomorrow's Worcester News.