A FORMER policeman was badly beaten by two teenagers as he tried to wash away vomit from his drive, a court heard.

John Needham, a retired solicitors clerk, 62, was attacked outside his home after 17-year-old Joss Davies became ill following a drinking session last New Year's Eve.

Davies, of Hylton Avenue, South Shields, was being sick outside Mr Needham's house, so the ex-policeman went outside to swill away the mess.

When water was splashed on Davies, he began punching Mr Needham - then his friend, William O'Hare, 19, ran over and joined in the attack, which left Mr Needham with severe facial injuries.

Both Davies and O'Hare, of Watson Avenue, South Shields, South Tyneside, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but admitted the lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

Euan Duff, prosecuting at Newcastle Crown Court, said the attack only stopped when Mrs Needham came out of the house to find her husband with multiple injuries, including cuts and severe swelling and a fractured cheek bone.

For Davies, Peter Schofield said: "He is clearly under no illusions about the seriousness of this matter."

And for O'Hare, Gavin Doig told the court he was previously of good character.

Mr Justice Andrew Smith, adjourned sentence for reports and summoned the pair to appear before Newcastle Crown Court again in three weeks time. He refused the teenagers bail and remanded them into custody.