A FULL medical report is to be compiled on a teenager who was left fighting for his life after violence flared at a birthday celebration.

The report and prognosis will be carried out on Alex Harker before his assailant, 18-year-old Gary Andrew Norman, is sentenced.

Norman, of Carville Estate, Willington, County Durham, admitted causing 17-year-old Mr Harker grievous bodily harm at a hearing at Durham Crown Court.

He returned to the court yesterday, when Recorder John Muir said he needed more information on Mr Harker's injuries and anticipated recovery before sentence was passed.

The court was told that Norman admitted landing a single blow on Mr Harker during fighting which broke out near Crook Town's Millfield football ground, following an 18th birthday party in the clubhouse.

Mr Harker remained unconscious for several days after the incident, in May, and was placed on a hospital ventilator.

Recorder Muir said he was concerned about the extent of the injuries and the expected prognosis.

He said he wanted the prosecution to consult "the relevant consultant" to produce an updated report on Mr Harker before Norman was sentenced.

Adjourning yesterday's hearing, Recorder Muir bailed Norman to return later for sentence.

He told Norman: "I regret I can't deal with your case at this stage.

"I can't give you any indication what the sentence might be.

"The full background of the case and its circumstances can be assisted with a full medical report available."