TWO Lincoln teenagers have admitted assaulting a father-of-two, who was so badly beaten his jaw broke away from his skull.

Darren Wheeler (19) and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to Stephen Swallow at Lincoln Crown Court.

Mr Swallow, who had to have three metal plates inserted in his face after the incident, suffered a broken nose and severe cuts and bruises to his face after he was attacked in Lincoln city centre on June 28.

The incident happened as 43-year-old Mr Swallow, an engineer, was walking home at the end of a night out with a work colleague.

Wheeler, of St Rumbold Street, Lincoln, and the 17-year-old, will reappear before the court for sentencing on November 21.

Wheeler had previously denied the charge but entered a guilty plea during this afternoon's hearing.

For more on the court case, plus Stephen Swallow's reaction, see Saturday's Echo.