The man who caused life changing injuries to talented footballer Kristian Speake was told today (Friday) he would go to jail after a jury found him guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Steven Dockerty, aged 27, was told the only question was the length of the sentence.

Dockerty punched Mr Speake in his face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground.

He suffered catastrophic brain injuries and the former Haverfordwest County player could no longer take part in contact sports.

After the unanimous guilty verdict had been returned Judge Peter Heywood said he would sentence Dockerty on July 19 to allow time for a probation officer to prepare a report into his background.

He granted Dockerty bail meanwhile but told him there could be only one sentence, and it would be "a significant one."

The maximum sentence is five years.

"The injuries are a serious as they get.

"The harm here is very, very serious," he added.

Dockerty, of Freemans View, Merlins Bridge, had admitted punching Mr Speake but claimed it had been in self defence because he thought he was about to be assaulted.

Mr Speake fell backwards and hit his head on the road causing brain damage.

Earlier the court was told that Dockerty had previously attacked a person and tried to claim self defence.