IPSWICH: A man is today awaiting sentencing after admitting his involvement in an attack which left 21-year-old Liam Rumsey fighting for his life.

David Cooper, of Mildmay Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm at his plea and case management hearing before Ipswich Crown Court.

The 24-year-old was one of five people who were charged with the attack on Mr Rumsey at Orwell Country Park on the outskirts of east Ipswich.

After admitting the offence, Cooper was remanded in custody.

He will be sentenced when the proceedings for his co-accused are completed.

Three of the other defendants have also appeared in crown court to enter their pleas to the same charge.

Lewis Dowe, 22, of Ramsey Close, Ipswich, Darren Gorham, 22, of Marigold Avenue, Ipswich, and Kristin Burns, 20, of Sinclair Drive, Ipswich, have all denied the allegation.

The cases were adjourned and their trial was scheduled for October 4.

The trio have also been remanded in custody.

The fifth person charged, Matthew Osborn, 21, of Valiant Road, De Brink on the Green, Martlesham Heath, has yet to enter a plea to the charge of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

His plea and case management is due to take place at Ipswich Crown Court on September 10.

Osborn also remains in custody.

Emergency services were called to Orwell Country Park just before 3.55pm on May 3, a bank holiday Monday, to a report that Mr Rumsey, of Atherton Road, Ipswich, had sustained serious injuries.

Paramedics treated the former Chantry High School pupil at the scene, before taking him to Ipswich Hospital with what police described at the time as multiple, life-threatening injuries.

Mr Rumsey was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, which specialises in treating head injuries.

He remained at the hospital after regaining consciousness, but has since returned home.