Mark Webster, 37, of Dalefield Road, Normanton, punched and stamped on Jason Hale, also 37, outside the Black Swan pub on Castleford Road, in February.

Webster admitted manslaughter at Bradford Crown Court yesterday. His plea of not guilty to murder was accepted by the court.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing next month after asking to start his punishment as soon as possible.

For the prosecution, Jonathan Devlin said that Mr Hale had taken a "considerable amount" of alcohol and drugs on the night he died.

He said: "The CCTV is quite clear. He was spoiling for a fight. He was to approach this defendant and put up his hands and make gestures towards the defendant. He was not attempting to punch him but on two occasions he approached the defendant.

"On the first the defendant pushed him away and on the second the defendant punched him. The deceased went to the ground and banged his head. (He] sustained a devastating head injury."

Webster was then seen to try and pick up Mr Hale before dropping him back to the ground and stamping on his stomach.

Mr Hale, who was conscious when paramedics arrived, had emergency surgery after suffering internal injuries.

Mr Devlin continued: "At the end of that operation it's quite clear the effects of the head injury had come into play so when the internal operation concluded, it's seen that there's a brain injury as well."

The cause of death was as a result of the head injury and the internal injuries.

The court also heard that there had been problems in the pub before the incident outside.

Mr Devlin said: "There were allegations that the deceased had not only struck his head inside the pub but he had also been on the floor and trodden on by other members of the public."

Webster had a seven-year career with Wakefield Trinity and also played for Featherstone Rovers.

He was also a prop forward for amateur side Normanton Knights for the past two years.

During his time with the Knights, Webster also completed his prison officer training and worked at Wakefield maximum security jail.

Sentencing was adjourned for reports and Webster will be dealt with in Leeds Crown Court on December 12.

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