AN angry father who set about a 13-year-old boy involved in an argument with his two sons has been jailed for a year at Worcester Crown Court.

Lawrence Matthews was said to have grabbed Michael Pegram by the neck, punched him in the face, thrown him against railings and kicked him as he lay on the floor.

"It was a disgraceful attack," said Judge Andrew Geddes.

"The aggravating feature is that it was seen by other children who must have been frightened."

Matthews, aged 38, of Albert Road, Droitwich, was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm after a three-day trial in March.

The assault took place on December 16, 2003, when Matthews' sons aged 16 and 12 were present.

Matthews threatened the 13-year-old that if he went to the police he would be killed, said Nigel Hall, prosecuting.

The lad went to hospital and was found to have a cut lip and had bruising on his body. Matthews claimed the boy was hurt accidentally when he went to split up the group.

Timothy Green, defending, said Matthews still maintained his innocence despite the jury's verdict. "It was impulsive, intemperate, ill-considered behaviour by a man acting out of character," he said.