A DUO in their early 20s who kicked a 58-year-old man in the face were warned they are facing a prison sentence for carrying out a “disgraceful” offence.

Joe Brown and Zak Smithey booted Michael Drew when he was on the ground after violence erupted in Newport city centre following a standoff in the early hours of the morning.

The pair, who are both from Newport, were due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court, accused of causing him assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Griffin Street.

But before a jury could be sworn in, the pair pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of affray against Mr Drew which was accepted by prosecutor Claire Pickthall.

Brown, 21, from Morden Road, and Smithey, also 21, from Hawthorne Avenue, committed the public order offence at around 1.40am on Sunday, June 18, 2017.

The defendants were travelling in a car when their path was blocked and someone who was in a group with Mr Drew sat on the vehicle’s bonnet.

The two got out and a confrontation led to the complainant being set upon, although he did not suffer any serious injuries.

Judge Tom Crowther, QC, told Brown, represented by David Pinnell, and Smithey, whose barrister was Rosamund Rutter, that their case was being adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence reports by the Probation Service which will be carried out to find out more about the defendants.

He referred to the offence as a “disgraceful incident”.

The judge said: “You have admitted to a serious matter. Plainly, a custodial sentence is likely. All options are open.”

He added that he needed to find out if their sentences could be suspended and released them on bail on condition they co-operate with the Probation Service.

Judge Crowther said they would receive some credit for their guilt pleas, even though they were entered on the day their trial was due to start.

He added that he was reserving the case to himself and that Brown and Smithey are due to be sentenced on Tuesday, May 15.