A MAN who went viral after being filmed ramming an Oswestry pub in a van has been told he faces an "inevitable" jail sentence.

Michael McGuire, 20 and of Park Hall Caravan Site, changed his plea to a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to guilty on the day of his trial on Tuesday (June 18).

It followed an incident in which he drove his white van at staff and members of the public at the pub in Willow Street, with the incident captured on social media and going viral at the time.

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The court had earlier heard a bid by McGuire’s defence barrister Michael O’Brien for a lesser charge of attempt to cause serious injury by dangerous driving, which was not accepted.

This video contains swearing and some scenes viewers may find it alarming. 

McGuire had already pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray and criminal damage and also pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of ABH which not been accepted.

And before a jury was sworn in, the hearing was adjourned, after which McGuire admitted attempted grievous bodily harm.

Prosecuting barrister Timothy Sapwell told the court that the crown was prepared to allow the assault and offensive weapon charges to lie on file as the evidence given would have formed part of the argument for the beating offences.

Mr O’Brien called for an adjournment of six weeks to allow his client to be assessed for an psychiatric report and also asked for probation to prepare a pre-sentence report.

Judge Anthony Lowe agreed and added that probation was to see the psychiatric report to help map out its own recommendations.

Judge Lowe praised the defendant for taking the advice of his barrister to change his plea but added that McGuire faces a jail sentence.

He said: “I am, of course, aware that you have had to make some difficult decisions today but in the light of it, a guilty plea does attract some reduction in sentence and gives your barrister the chance to say things on your behalf.

“However hard it’s been, you’ve been sensible to take this advice.

“There are reports to be undertaken that may affect the sentence.

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“A custodial sentence is inevitable but this goes towards how long that should be, and although the section 18 (GBH) is serious, luckily for you no one was hurt.

“Any time spent in custody will go towards your time in jail before your release.”

McGuire will be sentenced on Friday, August 2 with Judge Lowe provisionally reserving the case to himself.