A hotel security guard suffered a catastrophic knee fracture when he tried to intervene in an altercation between two guests.
The victim sustained the "potentially life-changing" injury when he was pushed to the ground by Liam Raydon whlie he was at work in the Travelodge, on Newcastle's Quayside.
A court heard that, six months after the assault in June, the security guard's leg was still in a brace and he was being forced to use a wheelchair.
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During the altercation, Raydon also assaulted a receptionist.
The 26-year-old, formerly of Consett, in County Durham, but now living on Parmontley Street, in Scotswood, is now facing a possible prison sentence after he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and one of assault by beating.
Prosecutor, Sue Baker, said Raydon and his partner were staying in the Travelodge on June 1 this year when an altercation broke out between them.
"A receptionist and a security worker get involved and the receptionist is subjected to the assault by beating offence," Mrs Baker continued.
"The security guard gets involved and, during the course of that, he's pushed to one side and falls.
"That leads to a fracture of his left knee, a type three tibial fracture, with potentially life-changing consequences.
"His leg is in a permanent leg brace and is non-weight bearing. It only comes off for a few minutes a day to let air to the skin.
"He also uses a wheelchair."
Mrs Baker said that, because of the seriousness of the injury, Raydon should be sent to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence.
Agreeing, Kate Matthews, defending, said: "I would ask that you order a pre-sentence report as he's of previous good character and there will be other options the court could consider."
Raydon was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on January 19.
