A man launched a savage one punch knockout blow on another man in a casino in Bolton which "could have been fatal".

But Damien Shaw must wait longer to find out what punishment he will face for the attack.

A judge at Bolton Crown Court said he wanted more information about what the consequences had been on the victim of his barbaric act.

The court heard the two men came across each other in the Grosvenor Casino in the town in the early hours of November 7, 2021.

Shaw’s victim was with his partner and had been at a baby shower.

After words were exchanged Shaw walked over to the man and launched a punch on him.

CCTV footage played to the court showed the horror blow which knocked the man unconscious.

Wayne Jackson, prosecuting, said: “Words were exchanged between both men.

He said the victim “hit is head on the floor.

“People around recovered him as he was unconscious.

“There were attempts to apprehend the defendant.

“They were unsuccessful.

“He was identified on the CCTV and he had signed into the casino.”

Mr Jackson added that the victim was taken to hospital and had suffered haemorrhages and bruising to his lip.

He read a victim impact statement taken around a week later, which said he had been told he was unable to work for six weeks and this would have a big impact on him as he was self-employed.

It added: “I am worried I will have strokes or issues with memory.

“The issues are going to have a long term impact on me and my partner’s life.”

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Shaw, of Sycamore Drive, Wigan, appeared in court to be sentenced after admitting grievous bodily harm.

But Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said he needed to find out more about the long term impact of the attack on the victim.

He said: “That blow and the consequences of it could have been fatal.

“We have all dealt with cases of single punch manslaughter, I have dealt with single punch murders.

“The consequences can be much more devastating.”

Shaw, 37, will return to court later this month to be sentenced.