A YOUNG dad who smashed a groundsman's cheekbone in a "road rage" attack was today starting a 10-month jail term.

Kamar Mohmood, 20, had punched victim Gary Harris after a minor road collision in Nelson.

Mr Harris had to have surgery and two metal plates inserted into his face -- but the defendant continued to maintain he had an alibi for the time of the assault, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sentencing, Recorder Robert Warnock told Mohmood only custody was appropriate, as it was a matter of public policy unprovoked aggression arising out of minor accidents could not be accepted. He added the defendant had been of previous exemplary character and the case was a tragedy for he and his family.

The defendant, of Howgill Close, Nelson, had been convicted after a trial of inflicting grievous bodily harm. He had no previous convictions.

The court was told Mr Harris had made a good recovery from his injuries although he still had slight numbness in the left side of his cheek.

Martin Hackett, defending, handed over what he described as "excellent references" on behalf of Mohmood. He said Mohmood' actions had been out of character. He had been married for three and a half years and had a daughter aged nine months.

The barrister urged the court to pass a non custodial sentence on the defendant because of his age and the positive things which could be said about him. A community punishment order would remove the low risk of reoffending in the future.

Mr Hackett added if the court had to send Mohmood to custody, the term could be kept as short as possible.