A JEALOUS Newport man has avoided jail after battering his wife's ex-boyfriend with a pool cue.

Stephen Williams, of Heather Road, admitted wounding with intent when he left his love rival with a 5cm gash on his head, exposing his skull.

Williams, 55, tailed his victim David Jones along the Southern Distributor Road before attacking him.

Mr Jones needed nine stitches in his head after being hit by the snapped-off pool cue outside the office where he works.

Prosecutor Gareth Jones said: "Mr Jones became aware he was being followed by a vehicle being driven by the defendant. It was quite close.

"Mr Jones went onto the Southern Distributor Road and the defendant's vehicle followed. The defendant pulled out, got in front and braked. The complainant was concerned.

"He got to work and parked. He got out of his car and the defendant approached Mr Jones. He came quickly and struck Mr Jones across the head with a broken off part of a pool cue.

"He was struck on the top of the head and to the side of his face."

Cardiff Crown Court heard how one of Mr Jones' work colleagues witnessed the bust-up and intervened.

Police arrived at the scene and Williams told them: "I've attacked him. I'm sorry. I've split his head open. He gave me a good pasting too, mind."

The court heard how Williams and his wife separated in 2012. His wife had a relationship with Mr Jones which then broke down.

Williams later got back together with his estranged wife - but remained jealous of his love rival.

The court heard how he became convinced that Mr Jones had sprayed his car with paint and even went as far as installing CCTV cameras to try and catch him but the judge was told that there was "no evidence" that Mr Jones was responsible.

Williams was the sole carer for his 85-year-old mother had an unblemished record up until the assault earlier this year.

Marianne Lewis, defending, said: "Williams and his family live in fear of repeated damage. He had installed CCTV cameras in order to discover the identity of the culprit.

"This defendant's contrition is genuine and this offence is totally out of character."

Williams was sentenced to two years in jail suspended for two years.

He was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £500.

Judge Thomas Crowther QC said: "When Mr Jones stopped, temper got the better of you and you attacked him.

"Those who know you best know you as good, placid and kind."