THE son of a former policeman has appeared in court in connection with an assault which has left the victim on a life-support machine.

Twenty six-year-old Lee Morse remains in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked in Pontarddulais. He was left with serious head injuries.

Eighteen-year-old Rhys Higgins entered no pleas when he appeared before magistrates to face charges of grievous bodily harm.

The court heard that Higgins, of Heol y Waun, Pontlliw, and the victim had been drinking in different pubs in Pontarddulais on Friday night — namely the Farmers and the King Hotel respectively. Both had left the pubs in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Andrew Evans, defending, claimed in court Higgins had been punched in the mouth and nose by two unknown males outside the pub, and had then left the scene.

Sharon Anderson, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Morse had been found in a pool of blood in Teilo Street, lying at a right angle to the pavement with his feet near the gutter and his head by the white line in the middle of the road.

Mr Morse was taken to Morriston Hospital and then transferred to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Ms Anderson said his injuries were critical and life-threatening, and that he was on a life-support machine.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and passed the matter to Crown Court.

Higgins was granted bail with the conditions that he was subject to an 8pm to 8am electronically monitored curfew, that he not go in to Pontarddulais, and that he not go in to any licensed premises.

Meanwhile, regulars at the King Hotel have already collected more than £300 for Mr Morse and his family.