A MARKET trader has been told he is facing a prison sentence for a knife attack in a Colchester street.

David Beard will return to court for sentence next month after he admitted the assault near the Fat Cat pub in Butt Road.

Beard had been due to face a trial but Chelmsford Crown Court heard how victim Robert Yexley and his girlfriend cannot be found.

Beard, 53, had denied wounding Mr Yaxley with intent to do him grevious bodily harm but admitted a lesser charge of wounding.

The prosecution accepted the after failing to contact the victim.

Sentence was adjourned until next month for reports and Beard, Alexandra Road, Colchester, was remanded in custody.

FULL STORY IN TOMORROW'S GAZETTE