A Dungannon man has admitted carrying out a savage assault with a metal grate in Ballygawley on St Stephen's Day last year.

William Hamilton, 51, of The Grove, pleaded guilty at Dungannon Crown Court on Friday to assault causing serious injury with intent. He also admitted stealing the metal grate used in the attack.

His co-accused, Imelda McGirr, 48, of the same address, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that police were called by the ambulance service to Ballygawley on December 26, 2024, after a man was found with serious head injuries. He had multiple lacerations and could not remember what happened.

CCTV footage showed Hamilton shove the victim during an encounter, then push him to the ground. Hamilton struck the man over the head more than a dozen times with the metal grate. McGirr helped Hamilton leave the scene and they later drove to Castlederg.

The victim was intoxicated and unable to defend himself, the court was told.

Defence counsel Noel Dillon argued that Hamilton had acted in self-defence, claiming the victim approached him with raised fists and made an offensive comment. However, Judge Richard Greene KC questioned the proportionality of the response, noting the victim's level of intoxication.

Judge Greene said a custodial sentence was inevitable and remanded Hamilton in custody. McGirr was released on bail. Both are due to be sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court on September 3.