A JURY has heard that a man who was shot in the throat with a crossbow bolt could have been millimetres from death.

Consultant surgeon Joseph Carlin said Kenny Beal's injury might have been fatal if the arrow had entered his neck a fraction to the left and penetrated the carotid artery or jugular vein.

Mr Beal, 25, says he was shot by his uncle, Allan Spensley, who is then alleged to have set fire to his caravan while he was inside with his wife, Lisa, on September 24 last year.

Mr Spensley, 43, of William Street, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, denies attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and arson with intent to endanger life.

On the second day of his trial at Teesside Crown Court yesterday, Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, read a series of statements from medical staff who treated Mr Beal.

Mr Carlin's statement also said Mr Beal could have suffered nerve damage, which would have affected his arms, or the loss of his voice, as a result of the attack.

It is alleged that Mr Spensley went to Mr Beal's caravan at about 5.30am - hours after a visit by Mr Beal who was complaining about his uncle's dog keeping them awake and damaging their temporary home.

The prosecution claims Mr Spensley fired a ten-inch crossbow bolt into the neck of his nephew and started a fire in the doorway of the £11,400 caravan - the couple's home while their nearby house was being renovated.

In evidence, Mr Beal said his uncle shot him once and warned: "Come out here and I'll stick another one in you."

It is alleged Mr Spensley also told the couple: "You are lucky I've got no petrol left as I would have burnt you to the ground," the court has heard.

Chris Baker, mitigating, yesterday quizzed the officer in charge of the investigation and established that no fingerprints were taken from the scene, fire officers had not examined the damage and that none of Mr Spensley's clothes had been tested for traces of diesel or petrol.

Mr Spensley could go into the witness box today when the case for his defence starts.

The trial continues.