An Irish tourist accused of leaving his brother in a coma after a late night argument in Sydney has pleaded guilty to recklessly causing grievous bodily harm after the crown declined to downgrade the charge. But Barry Lyttle, 33, will now be sentenced in Sydney's local court, where the maximum jail term is two years, rather than the district court, where people could face up to 10 years for that offence. Patrick Lyttle, 31, was rushed to hospital and spent six days in a coma after he was allegedly struck by his brother, Barry in Kings Cross in Sydney's inner-city on January 3. Downing Centre Local Court was told of the plea during a brief mention on Thursday, where Lyttle was supported by family, including his younger brother Patrick, whom he punched in Potts Point in the early hours of January 3. His elder brother was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm. Lyttle's legal team had tried to negotiate a lesser charge over the attack, with Patrick publicly speaking out in support of his brother and calling for the charges to be dismissed. But prosecutors decided to go ahead with the original charge and that Lyttle agreed to plead guilty. The Irishman could learn his fate as soon as Thursday afternoon when the matter returns to court for a possible sentencing hearing. The hearing is expected to include CCTV footage of the attack and evidence from criminologist John Braithwaite, an expert in 'restorative justice', which covers sentencing options other than imprisonment. Scroll down for video . Looking healthy: Patrick Lyttle (second from right) and Barry Lyttle (third from left) appeared in fine health as they arrived at Downing Centre Local Court today . The Lyttle family has previously said they believe the charge against Barry (centre) should be dropped . Patrick Lyttle (right) said he had made a 'fantastic recovery' The Lyttle family has previously said they believe the charge against Lyttle should be dropped. During a brief mention of the matter on Thursday, the prosecutor asked for a further adjournment saying police had served both parties with further material and they needed more time to negotiate. Lyttle's lawyer, Chris Watson, said if talks were successful they expect the matter to remain in the local court jurisdiction and to be dealt with quickly. Outside court Patrick said he had made 'a fantastic recovery'. Mr Lyttle spent nearly a week in an induced coma in January following his brother's alleged attack before making his remarkable recovery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney's inner suburbs. Patrick's appearance in court today was his first without wearing a beanie. He appeared in fine health as he and his brother arrived wearing matching suits and shoes. The younger Mr Lyttle has previously called on the charges laid against his brother to be dropped. The brothers, who have been accompanied by their father OIiver throughout their stay in Australia, wish to return home to Ireland together as soon as possible. The matter will return to court on April 16. Patrick Lytlle (middle) has called on charges against his brother Barry (left) to be dropped . Barry Lyttle is pictured arriving at court with his brother, Patrick, and his girlfriend, Patricia . Patrick was treated by paramedics at the scene where he was found in a pool of blood and vomit on January 3 . Today's court appearance was the first where Patrick Lyttle, pictured right last month, has appeared without wearing a beanie . The brothers from Belfast in Ireland (pictured here as children) went on a night out on January 3 in Kings Cross . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
Irish brothers Barry and Patrick Lyttle hoping to return home soon.
Barry Lyttle is still negotiating for a lesser charge.
He allegedly struck his brother Patrick during a night out on January 3.
Patrick told reporters he had made a 'fantastic recovery' on Thursday.
Barry is negotiating with prosecutors for a lesser charge.