An argument outside a Nairn nightspot ended with a man biting off part of his tongue and suffering several facial fractures.
The assault happened in the early hours of March 23 this year after two groups of friends left the Playhouse Nightclub and entered the High Street.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard yesterday that the victim, Jay Nicol, had an altercation with another man and 36-year-old Fraser Breathet intervened, landing one punch.
However Mr Nicol fell face forward onto the pavement, rendering him unconscious and bleeding heavily.
Fiscal depute David Morton said that Breathet, of Milton of Kilravock, near Nairn, tried to check on Mr Nicol but was ushered away.
The casualty, who could later remember nothing of the incident, was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
He was then transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he required surgery for a double fracture of the jaw, a broken eye socket and cheekbone.
Titanium plates had to be inserted. Mr Nicol also suffered several broken teeth and will need further dental treatment in future.
“He also required to have part of his tongue to be restitched together, having bitten it during the altercation. He also suffered a cut to his chin and top lip. These injuries have left scars.” Mr Morton went on.
Breathet admitted assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Sheriff Chris Dickson deferred sentence until January 16 for a background report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson said he would reserve his comments until then.