A gunman who blasted a driver in the stomach at point blank range has been jailed today.

Paul Smith was convicted of wounding with intent after a road rage incident on October 26 last year.

The "depressed" 46-year-old, of Friars Way, Dover, had been intending to take his own life, the court heard.

It followed the birth of his daughter who was being treated in hospital for a rare skin disorder.

But as he was driving along Alkham Valley Road, Dover, he got into a heated row, which led to the shooting.

The court heard Smith drove his Renault Megane at speed behind a Ford Fiesta driven by 31-year-old James Saunders, who was en-route to Kearsney Abbey in Dover.

Smith sped past Mr Saunders's car and then hit the brakes.

Mr Saunders skidded to a halt and held his hand on the horn to remonstrate to the other driver.

Both men drove off before Smith stopped on a sharp right-hand incline on Alkham Valley Road.

Smith got out of the Megane and approached Mr Saunders who had also left his vehicle.

The pair began to push and shove before Mr Saunders heard a "loud crack". Smith got back in his car and drove off.

Mr Saunders realised he couldn't walk and then felt "excruciating pain" and could see blood coming from his stomach.

He underwent surgery at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, and had part of his bowel removed. He suffered three months of intense pain.

Kent Police launched an investigation and on November 4 Smith, who changed his name from Andrew Bywaters by deed poll, went to Folkestone police station with his solicitor to hand himself in.

Smith told officers "I shot him, I didn't mean to."

He admitted hiding the gun at Channel Gliding Club, Waldershare Park, Dover.

Officers found two parts of the firearm, clothing worn by Smith and the Renault Megane he had been driving at that location.

In addition to his jail sentence, Smith was also handed an extended licence of five years due to the seriousness of the offence and use of a firearm.

He had already admitted to possessing of 1.7 kilos of amphetamine and was given one year behind bars.

Smith also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cannabis and was given two sentences of six months.

And he admitted possession of a firearm at the start of the trial and was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

All were ordered to be served concurrently. Smith had previously pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.

The sentencing follows an investigation by the Major Crime Unit, part of the Serious Crime Directorate for Kent and Essex.

Upon sentencing, Judge Adele Williams said that Smith was a "dangerous man".

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Lee Whitehead, from Kent Police's Major Crime unit, said: "Today's sentence will bring some closure to Smith's victim.

"Mr Saunders has suffered life-changing injuries but is now rebuilding his life, following what was a vicious and unprovoked attack.

"He was enjoying a night out with his girlfriend and a friend when events changed beyond what anyone could imagine.

"Smith was driving erratically and when Mr Saunders remonstrated with him, he lost his temper and shot him.

"Kent Police take any offence involving a firearm very seriously and will seek to prosecute wherever sufficient evidence is present."

Smith's conviction followed a two-week trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

A jury of seven women and five men returned a not guilty verdict for attempted murder on July 8, but found him guilty of wounding with intent.