The victim of an assault in Clayton Street, Blackburn, on Monday had part of his skull missing due to a previous incident.
Blackburn Magistrates heard Thomas Webster was punched on a part of his head which was not protected by bone.
Tara Riley, prosecuting, said Mr Webster was immediately rendered unconscious.
“He is still in a coma in hospital in a very serious condition,” said Miss Riley. “It is not known what the outcome will be.”
Brendan Thomas Duff, 30, of no fixed address, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will appear on May 28 to answer a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Peter King, defending, said his client had been challenged to a fight by the aggrieved and had acted in self-defence.
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