Man admits blinding ex-rugby player in club attack

Matthew Syron was blinded instantly by the attack at a Leeds nightclub on 27 December

A man has pleaded guilty to attacking a former rugby league player with a glass at a nightclub, leaving him blinded.

Gareth Dean, 37, smashed a bottle in the face of Matthew Syron while in Revolucion de Cuba, on Call Lane in Leeds, on 27 December.

The victim, a former Leeds Rhinos academy graduate, who now lives in Australia, lost sight in both his eyes following the attack.

Dean, who appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video-link on Thursday, admitted one charge of grievous bodily harm and is due to be sentenced on 4 March.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC told Dean, who has previous convictions for violence in 2010 and 2017, he could receive a life sentence for the attack.

"You will understand that you are in very serious trouble as a result of your actions," he told Dean.

"I don't want you to be under any misapprehension as to the peril you're in, in terms of sentencing."

Mr Syron, who is originally from Kirkstall but now lives in New South Wales with his fiancee and two children, told the BBC last month the attack had been "soul-destroying".

Mr Syron now lives in Australia with his fiancee and two children

A self-employed electrician, Mr Syron moved to Australia in 2012 after his playing career in England drew to a close with a stint at Oldham RLFC.

Originally from Kirkstall, he had been back in the UK visiting family and friends over Christmas when the attack took place.

Well-wishers subsequently raised nearly £31,000 to support Mr Syron in his recovery.

Dean, of Elm Tree Close in Leeds, will remain in custody until his sentencing.