FOUR men convicted after a violent disturbance in Quay Street, Ammanford, which left a young footballer fighting for his life, are due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Friday.

Paul Pugh, captain of Welsh League third division outfit Cwmaman United, suffered serious injuries when he was beaten unconscious after leaving the Old Cross pub on the night of January 6.

The Guardian understands his injuries are so severe that the 24-year-old electrician is not expected to be discharged from Morriston Hospital until the end of the year.

The four defendants charged following the attack appeared before Judge John Diehl on March 31.

Kieran Hale, 20, of Treforus, Betws, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Pugh, with intent.

Matthew Steinman, 20, of Caemawr, Betws, admitted inflicting GBH, but without intent.

Hale also admitted assaulting Huw Jenkins, Gareth Owen and Jonathan Thomas.

Nicholas McNamara, 19, of Blaenau Road, Llandybie, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm to Luke Rice.

Shaun Pritchard, 23, of Station Road, Tirydail, admitted assaulting Huw Jenkins.

It emerged in court that the attacks happened while Steinman and McNamara were on trial at Swansea crown court for violent disorder outside a Capel Hendre pub.