A man facing extradition to Greece for beating a footballer into a coma has been found guilty of assault.

Joseph Bruckland, 21, is one of six men accused of a brutal attack on semi-professional footballer Robbie Hughes while on holiday in Malia in June 2008.

The other five were extradited to Greece last August accused of the attack that left Mr Hughes brain damaged.

But they were allowed back to the UK because of the delay in releasing an international arrest warrant for Mr Bruckland, who faced criminal proceedings in the UK.

Bruckland, 21, of Reigate Road, Hookwood, was found guilty at Hove Crown Court on October 13, of hitting George Heron, 18, in a fight.

Mr Heron, an amateur rugby player, was left needing surgery to insert permanent metal plates in his jaw.

Bruckland was found guilty of the same attack last year but successfully appealed the conviction.

Following his reconviction, he will be sentenced on October 28.

It is likely he will serve any prison sentence in the UK before an international arrest warrant is issued in Greece.

Maggie Hughes, Robbie Hughes’s mother, said: “We are hoping this conviction is a step closer to proceedings moving forward in Greece.”