A SHOPKEEPER was left severely brain-damaged after he was thrown from the bonnet of a car following a heated argument over a packet of cigarettes.

Rakhvinder Singh Garcha has "reverted to being a young child", unable to dress or wash himself, communicate properly or care for his wife and children after suffering serious head injuries.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the injuries had been catastrophic for the Darlington father-of-two, whose family own Faverdale post office and convenience store in the town and are well-known in the community.

The 29-year-old, who worked for an insurance firm, had been helping at the family business in Bates Avenue, on March 28 when he became involved in an argument with Alan Rees, the court was told.

Mr Rees, 38, of Auckland Avenue, Darlington, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. He is jointly charged with his wife, Elizabeth Rees, 39, of perverting the course of justice. Both deny the charges.

Stephen Ashurst, prosecuting, said Mr Garcha had refused to sell cigarettes to the couple's 15-year-old son, Richie, believing him to be underage.

The teenager's father, who was waiting outside the shop in his car, then went to challenge Mr Garcha.

Mr Ashurst said: "He went in to the shop and made threats to Mr Garcha. He told him he better watch his shop or he would come back and torch it.

"Mr Garcha was incensed by Rees's attitude and came from behind the counter and went to remonstrate with him.

"Outside, Mr Garcha stood in front of the car to prevent him driving off. Both adult men were angry with each other. In temper, Mr Rees switched on the engine, revved the motor, and went at Mr Garcha."

The prosecution alleged that Mr Garcha was hanging on to the bonnet of the Vauxhall Astra and was carried 400 yards as the car weaved across the road - before Mr Garcha was thrown off when Mr Rees performed an emergency stop.

"Mr Rees drove off, leaving Mr Garcha bleeding from the head and grievously injured," said Mr Ashurst.

"A number of public-spirited people in that part of Darlington came forward to help, and someone called the emergency services."

The court heard that, in an attempt to cover up the crime, the 38-year-old, who worked at the B&Q store in Morton Park, persuaded his wife to help clean the car, hide it and repair the windscreen wipers, which had been damaged when Mr Garcha was clinging on to the car.

It is also alleged that Mr Rees changed his appearance by having his hair cut short and shaving his moustache.

An hour after the alleged incident, at 8pm, he was seen at Harrowgate Hill Working Men's Club where, according to some of the members, he did not seem his usual self.

The next day, the pair were arrested as Mrs Rees was preparing to put the Vauxhall Astra through a car wash in Darlington, the prosecution said.

The trial continues.