The family attacked by a gang of Polish burglars said today they were "ecstatic" the men had admitted the terrifying and brutal attack which shocked the community.

Academic Paul Kohler, 55, was left with a shattered eye socket and extensive bruising after being beaten up in his Kings Road home in Wimbledon after answering the front door to his attackers.

Earlier today: Polish burglars admit beating victim black and blue

Speaking outside Kingston Crown Court with his wife Samantha MacArthur, Mr Kohler said: "We are very pleased - we are ecstatic."

He said it was a relief to hear the men admit what they had done but he wanted to see their faces and hear an apology from their own mouths.

The family sat in the public gallery divided from the dock by frosted glass.

They were unable to see the defendants, who spoke to enter pleas but otherwise followed proceedings through two Polish interpreters.

At the court this morning Dawid Tychon, 29, of Elison Road, Streatham Vale denied grievous bodily harm (GBH) but admitted aggravated burglary.

Mariusz Tomaszewski, 32, of Pitcairn Road, Tooting admitted aggravated burglary and GBH.

Oskar Pawlowichz, 29, of no fixed abode denied GBH but admitted aggravated burglary.

Pawel Honc, 23, of no fixed address - had already admitted both aggravated burglary and causing grievous bodily harm.

Counsel for all the men apologised to the family and said they regretted their actions.

Miss MacArthur said: "I felt quite emotional hearing them plea.

"It’s great they have admitted it."

The men were casually dressed in track suits apart from Tychon who wore a grey jumper and jeans. He looked down at the floor and appeared affected by what he was hearing.

They were flanked by prison guards and Polish interpreters who spoke throughout the hearing so the men could follow what was going on.

Mr Kohler has returned to work as the head of the law department at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London after the brutal attack on August 11 this year.

He took the day off to attend court.

Mr Kohler said he did not need to have surgery on his shattered eye socket, doctors decided to let it heal naturally, although he gets double vision and some pain in his left eye.

The men will appear again at the court on January 29 for a hearing before sentencing the next day.