A 40-year-old man has admitted attacking an elderly woman in her own home.

Jeffrey Paul Lloyd, of Teilo Street, Pontarddulais, had been due to go on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of attempting to murder Ruth Yandle on January 9.

At the last moment Lloyd admitted a lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and robbing Miss Yandle, aged 72, of her handbag and its contents.

John Hipkin, prosecuting, said it would have been difficult to prove an intention to kill and the attempted murder charge would not be proceeded with.

Judge Keith Thomas told Lloyd he was considering a life sentence.

He said he would have to decide if Lloyd was a dangerous offender as defined by law and asked a probation officer to prepare a report addressing the issue.

Gerald Mohabir, Lloyd's barrister, said he had one "serious" and relevant previous conviction.

He said it was accepted that at least one of the blows to Miss Yandle was delivered while she lay helpless on the floor.

Further details of the attack will be given at the sentencing hearing on July 19.

Lloyd was further remanded in custody.