A dad-to-be who left a woman partially blind when he hurled a beer can has admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Nathan Cook, 20, threw the unopened tin of Fosters at a doorman during a row outside a pub in Deal on New Year's Eve.

But the security guard ducked, sending the missile flying into the face of Cora Mitchard who was watching a fireworks display.

She was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, and has since been told she will only regain 5 to 15% of her sight in that eye.

Today, Cook, of Hyton Drive, Deal, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Miss Mitchard, from Medway, had travelled to the town to watch the display with fiance James Guthrie and another couple when the incident happened at about 10.40pm.

The Tesco worker was sat on a bench outside The Port Arms pub, in Beach Street, when a row broke out nearby.

During the altercation, which she was not a part of, a beer can was thrown and hit her in the face.

A manhunt was launched in the weeks that followed.

In a message to the culprit on KentOnline, Miss Mitchard said: "I need you to come forward so I can feel like I can move on with my life."

Cook was arrested on February 1 after handing himself in to police.

Defending him, Rocco Marinaccio explained Cook had asked a member of security staff for a cigarette, but was tasered for acting aggressively.

When he rose from the ground, he took a can of beer and aimed it at the doorman, but it missed and hit Miss Mitchard.

Mr Marinaccio said that Cook suffers from mental health issues. He has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and goes to counselling for his issues.

He also told magistrates that Cook lives with his mum. He has one child and is expecting his second with his partner.

He continued: "Clearly he is extremely remorseful for this. He handed himself in to police when he knew they were looking for him for this and he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity."

Prosecuting, Anna Kachingwe said the victim had been told to be prepared that she may not regain full vision in her right eye.

The case was referred to crown court due to its seriousness, and Cook will be sentenced there on a date yet to be set.

He was released on bail on the condition that he does not speak to witnesses or go to The Port Arms pub.