A man with a “silly grudge” was jailed for 6 years today (Thursday) for hitting another man with his car in Watford town centre.

Darius John, 25, was driving at 30mph down Rickmansworth Road when he hit the man, sending him flying six feet in the air.

St Albans Crown Court heard how the victim suffered a fracture to his left shoulder that still requires surgery, as well as cuts to his head and body.

John, who had an earlier confrontation with his victim in an underpass, then drove off in his Vauxhall Insignia.

John, of Kings Drive, Edgware, pleaded guilty to causing the man grievous bodily harm with intent at lunchtime on March 1 this year. The court heard how he was of previous good character.

When arrested, John said he had hit the man by accident, although he later told a probation officer after he pleaded guilty that he had held a “silly grudge” against him for three years.

Sentencing him, Judge Andrew Bright QC said John had used his car as a weapon, adding: "It is no thanks to you that he was not more seriously injured or killed."

He said he had read references from John's family, friends and a minister and that sending him to jail was an "enormous tragedy".

The judge made an order depriving John of his car, and also made a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.