A driver who mowed down a man who squared up to his car has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and warned he faces a long prison sentence.

Daniel Twumasi, 31, was also convicted of dangerous driving by a jury at Chichester Crown Court. He was cleared of attempted murder.

His new bride, Katherine Adkins, 20, burst into tears as he was taken down to the cells following the verdict.

Judge Charles Byers told Twumasi at the end of a 13-day trial: "You are a man facing a long prison sentence.

"The fact you have not transgressed before is the only reason I have asked for pre-sentence reports.

"Custody is inevitable and it would not be right to grant bail. You have been convicted of a grave offence."

Daniel Sommerford, from Sompting, could be crippled for life after Twumasi, originally from Ghana, drove a Renault Clio into him in Marine Parade, Worthing, at 2pm on January 24.

The impact pushed him 25 metres along the street and broke both his legs.

He needed major reconstructive surgery and gave evidence in court from a wheelchair. He can only walk short distances on crutches and still faces a series of operations.

Mr Sommerford's brothers Nathan, 28, and Liam, 18, had first clashed with Twumasi when they spotted him arguing with Ms Adkins, his girlfriend at the time.

The brothers believed Twumasi, formerly of Meadway Court, Worthing, had hit her in the face and rushed up to the couple. The ensuing argument resulted in the couple getting into the Renault and driving off, but not before Daniel Sommerford punched through the driver's window.

Twumasi drove 200 metres west along Marine Parade, then made a sharp U-turn and accelerated back towards the brothers. Daniel stood in the road, threw down his coat and gestured towards the oncoming car.

Witness Jody Howell, an Occasions nightclub doorman, said it was as if the car and the young man were playing chicken.

All three brothers and Mr Howell insisted Twumasi swerved into Daniel at about 40mph.

As Nathan Sommerford, from Brighton, ran to call an ambulance, Mr Howell tried to grab the keys from the Renault's ignition but was dragged eight metres across the road as Twumasi sped away.

Ms Adkins told the court the brothers had hurled racist abuse and denied being struck by her husband.

Twumasi claimed Daniel Sommerford had dodged into his path.

He will be sentenced at Chichester or Blackfriars Crown Court on September 17.