A FATHER-OF-TWO who launched a savage attack on a delivery driver with a home-made weapon has been jailed for three months.

William Hickman, 20, attacked Donald Deacon with a pool ball in a sock as he stood outside the Oriental Express, in Grangetown, Sunderland.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he attacked the driver after a row between Mr Deacon and Hickman's friend. He launched a second attack as the injured man clung on to him for help.

Michael Graham, prosecuting, said Hickman was seen holding a sock containing a pool ball.

The man who was with Hickman was tried at Durham Crown Court but was cleared of any wrong-doing.

Hickman, of Lilian Avenue, Ryhope, Sunderland, had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing.

Judge Michael Cartlidge, jailing Hickman, told him: "If you go out armed with a weapon you end up in custody."