A BLACKWOOD man is behind bars after attacking another man with a claw hammer.

Daniel Morris, 20, of Aneurin Avenue, Blackwood, armed himself with a claw hammer and struck Simon McAuliffe, Cardiff Crown court heard.

Prosecutor Ieuan Morris said that for some years there had been an "unhealthy feud" between the Morris and McAuliffe families.

On July 12 Morris and Mr McAuliffe became involved in a scuffle in Blisters Club, Bargoed. Mr Luke Vokes tried to intervene and was punched by Davies.

Soon after Morris was seen in High Street with a claw hammer. He chased Mr McAuliffe, struck him with it and kicked him when he was on the ground causing bruising.

A passing motorist James Leadbeater, saw a woman screaming hysterically because of the incident and called the police.

"He was too scared to intervene because of the hammer" said Mr Morris.

Ross Davies, 23, of Commercial Street, Pengam, also became involved in the incident and admitted a charge of assault.

Ieuan Morris told the court that the defendant Morris had convictions for possessing offensive weapons, a flick knife, a gas spray, which he stole from Bargoed police station, and an axe.

Andrew Morse, for Morris, said "He is extremely remorseful for going over the top. He intends to move from the area."

Carl Harrison, for Davies, said "He falls into a different category. In the past he has had problems with amphetamine."

Morris admitted possessing an offensive weapon, the hammer, and causing actual bodily harm and was sentenced to 21 months in a young offender institution.

Davies was sentenced to a 12 month community order and ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work.

Mr Justice Field said the because of the feud every now and again someone would take the law into their own hands and there would be violence.

"The hammer was there to be used. It was a very dangerous weapon and Morris did use it."