A BRIDEGROOM spent his wedding night in hospital after his reception erupted into a brawl.

What should have been the happiest day of Trevor McDonald and his bride Kerry O'Rourke's lives turned into a wedding from hell as tempers flared and a mass brawl erupted.

The trouble spilled out from the reception on to the streets where Anthony Fulthorpe, 19, punched and kicked Mr McDonald unconscious after attacking one of the guests.

Mr McDonald had to undergo surgery and have metal plates fitted to his skull after suffering severe facial injuries.

Instead of jetting off to Turkey for a honeymoon, Mr McDonald spent his wedding night in hospital with his new bride at his bedside.

The couple from High Heaton, Newcastle, who are both jobless, had saved hundreds of pounds for their ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre.

Guests returned to the couple's home for the speeches and reception buffet. But as the drink flowed trouble flared and Mr McDonald was attacked.

Fulthorpe, from Hazeldene Avenue in Kenton Bar, Newcastle, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr McDonald during a hearing at the city's crown court yesterday.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault in relation to another guest.

Peter Walsh, in mitigation, said Mr McDonald had been involved in violent incidents with two of his half-sisters and Fulthorpe feared he was about to be attacked.

"Having floored Mr McDonald with a punch, he accepts that then to proceed to kick him was unlawful."

Fulthorpe will be sentenced on January 25 after the preparation of a pre-sentence report.