A 26-YEAR-OLD is facing jail for his part in a horror daytime town centre fight and dog attack which saw a man die.

John Palmer, of The Old Quays, Latchford, pleaded guilty to attacks on Simon Whittall and Stephen Littlewood as well as owning the Johnson American Bulldog ‘Dougie’ which caused injuries to Mr Whittall.

Palmer sobbed at Liverpool Crown Court while guilty pleas were read out for the two charges of assault, one GBH, and owning the dog, which was out of control.

The incident happened in Froghall Lane close to the town centre in September 3, 2009.

Mr Whittall, aged 39, of no fixed address, collapsed three days after the afternoon attack and died on September 9 after suffering a bleed to his brain.

He also suffered a number of bites to his body from Palmer’s dog.

It is thought Palmer was known to the victims.

The fight had broken out around 1pm.

Witnesses reported the brawl spilling into the road and Palmer was seen hitting Mr Whittall with a metal dog lead and stamping on him while he was on the floor.

Mr Littlewood was not seriously injured in the attack.

During the incident, the dog had a serious injury after being hit with a glass.

Meirion Lewis-Jones, prosecuting, said: “Simon Whittall sadly died a number of days after the incident because of the brain injury.

“We have always said that some of our evidence was relying on people whose memories may be suspect.”

DI Jo Miller, from Cheshire Police who was involved in the investigation, said: “We are very pleased with the positive result.

“It was the culmination of a fight between three individuals and it had tragic consequences.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Whittall.”

Palmer, who was granted bail following the hearing, will be sentenced in December.