A KICKBOXER who launched a violent, unprovoked attack during a road-rage incident has been jailed for 22 months.

Matthew Brady tailgated Brian Sowerby at high speeds before punching and kicking his victim unconscious leaving him with a fractured jaw.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the victim's daughter was working at Darlington Memorial Hospital and saw her father's serious facial injuries.

The Northern Echo: Brian Sowerby's facial injuriesBrian Sowerby's facial injuries

The court heard how Brady was flashing his lights at his victim as they travelled at 70mph along the A66 before the defendant threw a wine bottle at the victim's car as he overtook him before slamming his brakes on as he pulled in front of him.

Mr Sabiston, prosecuting, said Brady waved an asp at the victim who then headed towards the Dogs Trust at Sadberge to try and seek refuge but Brady launched an unprovoked attack on the man.

"Mr Brady got out of his vehicle and punched the victim several times to the head causing him to fall to the floor where he was kicked to the head causing a fractured jaw," he said.

"The victim's aim had been to get to a friend's house where he knew they had security cameras, he got out and shouted for help and that is when he felt a massive blow to the head.

"The next he recalls is waking up in an ambulance."

In a victim impact statement, Mr Sowerby said what happened that day on January 3 last year 'still haunts' him.

He said: "We had a good day out fishing and it then turned into an absolute nightmare for me and something I didn't think I will ever forget.

"It has affected me in more ways than I could ever imagine – financially, mentally and physically."

The Northern Echo: Mr Sowerby suffered a fractured jawMr Sowerby suffered a fractured jaw

Brady, of Windmill Terrace, Stockton, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.

Ian West, in mitigation, urged the judge to pass a suspended prison sentence after accepting responsibility for his 'crass stupidity arising out of a silly road-rage incident'.

Judge Recorder Simon Jackson jailed the 21-year-old for 22 months and banned him from driving for 23 months.

The Northern Echo: Matthew Brady arriving at an earlier court hearingMatthew Brady arriving at an earlier court hearing

"You are somebody who has an expertise in martial arts and you struck this complainant in a particular way to knock him to the ground knowing that was vulnerable point which allowed you to do that," he said.

"This was a pursuit which led to serious violence, this was not crass stupidity, it was road-rage intended to cause the fear of violence."