Lee Bates, 26, a groundsman, of Halston Close, London, pleaded guilty to assault at Brighton Crown Court on Monday (February 6). Bates was arrested and charged after a 27-year-old man was attacked and had acid thrown on him outside Crawley Cineworld in August 2015, police said. The attack took place in Crawley Leisure Park after the victim and another man, 29, both from Redhill, left the cinema after watching Straight Outta Compton. Police said Bates was given a two-year conditional discharge. Michael McPherson, 27, unemployed, of Aldrington Road, London, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, assault and GBH with intent after appearing at Lewes Crown Court in November 2015. Police said a date had not been set for his sentencing. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.