A FATHER of four was found guilty yesterday of injuring a shopkeeper who was left severely brain-damaged after being thrown from a car bonnet.

Alan Rees was involved in a heated argument with Rakhvinder Singh Garcha at the Faverdale convenience store in Bates Avenue, Darlington, in March.

The 37-year-old told Teesside Crown Court that it had been a tragic accident.

The jury found him guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm but cleared him of the more serious charge of intent.

Rees, of Auckland Avenue, Darlington, was also found guilty of dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox said it was an "appalling and tragic case".

Last night, the shopkeeper's father said his son had been given a life sentence because of his injuries and he hoped Rees would serve a long time in prison.

"It has been devastating for the whole family,", he said.

"We had to teach him how to walk and talk again. It has ruined his life, and over what, a packet of cigarettes. I hope he gets a long sentence."

The 29-year-old, a former pupil of Carmel Technology College, needs 24-hour care and has "reverted to being a young child".

The defendant and Mr Garcha had argued after the shopkeeper refused to sell cigarettes to Rees's teenage son.

The argument spilled outside the shop and Mr Garcha was driven 40 yards on the bonnet of Rees's car before it came to a halt and he was flung to the ground.

Rees, who works at B & Q in Morton Park, Darlington, attempted to cover up what had happened.

It was revealed Rees had a string of convictions including assault, criminal damage and obstructing police.

Judge Fox told him he was granting him bail to "get his effects in order" and adjourned sentencing for two weeks.

His wife, Elizabeth Rees, 39, who pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice, will be sentenced on the same date.