TWO men who took part in an attack that left a soldier brain damaged after his head was kicked "like a football" have been warned they are facing years behind bars.

Scott Halliday, 26, was paralysed down his right side after his head was kicked, stamped and jumped on while he lay unconscious outside the Lambton Castle pub, in Philadelphia, Wearside, on September 10.

Kayn Mitchell, 22, formerly of Harrow Crescent, Shiney Row, and Anthony Thompson, 20, of South Burn Terrace, Herrington, both Wearside, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but were found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court. They were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on June 10.

Lee Bowman, 19, of Hunter Street, Shiney Row, had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was also remanded in custody until June 10.