Five soldiers plead guilty

Five soldiers have appeared in court after a man was left with serious head injuries.

The soldiers, who are based near Stamford, Lincolnshire but are originally from the North East, admitted offences relating to the incident earlier this year.

They have been bailed on condition they do not go into Stamford.

Neil Pentland, 19, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on William Gamble, 23, in Sleaford in March.

Life support machine

Wayne Benson and Ross Gowland, who are both 20, and Paul Bennett, 22, admitted affray.

John Little, 19, admitted a public order offence.

They are all members of the second battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers based at St George's Barracks at North Luffenham, Lincolnshire.

They were arrested after an incident in Red Lion Street in Stamford.

Mr Gamble was put on a life support machine after the attack, but has since regained consciousness.

The five will appear in court later for sentencing.