A BLACKWOOD father-of-two who drove his car into this local youth after a gang hurled eggs at his house failed to get his six-month prison sentence reduced at appeal.

Paul Patrick Holmes, 37, of Central Avenue, Cefn Fforest, Blackwood, was jailed at Cardiff Crown Court in August this year after admitting unlawful wounding and dangerous driving. He was also banned from driving for 12 months.

Holmes' victim was Craig Meader, an innocent bystander who suffered leg fractures and head wounds when struck by Holmes' Landrover as it veered across the road in Blackwood last October.

Mr Justice Gray, who today dismissed Holmes' sentence appeal, said the motorist had deliberately swerved across the road to "intimidate" a 20-strong group of youths gathered on the pavement after his house was pelted with eggs.

Mr Meader was not involved in the egg-throwing, but became an innocent victim when he failed to get out of the way in time.

Mr Justice Gray, sitting in London's Appeal Court with Lord Justice Laws and Mr Justice Jack, said Holmes had an exemplary previous record, was the father of two children and helped care for an elderly uncle.

He was also subjected to extreme provocation, although not by his victim, said the judge.

He added: "But that cannot excuse him deliberately driving his car across to the wrong side of the road in the direction of the young people who were evidently larking about."

Although he had not intended to hit anyone and his car had not mounted the kerb, it was a "deliberate manoeuvre intended to intimidate the people on the pavement".

In the circumstances, an "immediate custodial sentence" was inevitable, concluded the judge, dismissing Holmes' appeal.