A man who punched an elderly person leaving him unconscious and needing overseas treatment yesterday admitted a charge of wounding a senior with intent to disable him.

The Supreme Court heard Alvin Leverock, 41, who has spent the last 18 months in custody, had twice attempted to plead guilty to the offence but concerns were raised about the his mental health and the nature of the charge.

The courts previously heard that Leverock punched Herndon Smith after an argument on Reid Street on New Year’s Day 2020.

The victim was found unconscious on the sidewalk near Washington Mall at about 11.30am that day.

Police said at the time that Mr Smith had been flown overseas for medical treatment the wake of the altercation.

Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, yesterday said the attack consisted of a single punch which knocked the victim unconscious “before he hit the ground”.

She also said that under the law, “intent to disable” did not necessarily mean that Leverock had intended to handicap the victim.

Ms Clarke noted that Leverock had been in custody since January 2020 and the offence, with credit for an early guilty plea, would carry a maximum penalty of between three years and five years.

Charles Richardson, counsel for Leverock, urged the court to carry out a social inquiry report before delivering a sentence so that his personal situation could be taken into account.

Acting Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe ordered the report and adjourned the matter until September 8 for sentencing.

The judge told Leverock that the court would consider the time he has already spent behind bars – and that the results of the social inquiry report could help reduce his sentence further.