A VICIOUS thug battered a man over the head with a golf club in a revenge attack, a court was told.

David Daly was then joined by a five-strong gang, wearing balaclavas, who battered John Haywood as he lay unconscious on the ground.

Mr Haywood, aged 24, was left with huge scars on the back of his head and two skull fractures following the incident on September 9 last year.

A friend who ran off to get help suffered minor injuries.

Daly, aged 27, formerly of Oakes Street, Kearsley, pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court yesterday to wounding with intent, possessing an offensive weapon and affray.

The court heard that Mr Haywood, of Grosvenor Street, Kearsley, was walking home with friends after a night out when he was attacked in Pilkington Road, Kearsley, at around 3am.

Tom Fitzpatrick, prosecuting, said the attack followed a "skirmish" in a local pub which involved Daly.

"The defendant left the pub threatening to return with some confederates to exact revenge," said Mr Fitzpatrick.

"That he did at 3am. He, together with a number of others, wearing balaclavas, or with their faces hidden in some way, attacked the two men," said Mr Fitzpatrick.

"John Haywood suffered grievous injuries as a result of the attack.

"He was hit with a golf club and rendered immediately unconscious by this defendant.

"Then the attack continued while he was on the ground by the other unknown assailants and the defendant."

Daly changed his plea to guilty as a trial was due to begin.

Ian Simpkin, defending, said Daly was aware the very serious charges would inevitably lead to a prison sentence.

Mr Haywood's family believe he was picked on after acting as a peacemaker in a pub fight earlier in the evening. He is still recoving from his injuries.

Daly was given conditional bail and is due to return to court on March 2, when he will be sentenced.