NATHAN BOALER'S mother Janet, of Pontllanfraith, said she had believed Searles would receive jail time.

She said: "It's awful, especially after everything Nathan has been through.

"Although its good he's been banned from driving we thought he would get at least six months.

"We had to wash, clothe and feed Nathan while he was recovering from his injuries.

"He had plaster on his arms and couldn't do things for himself."

She says Mr Boaler, now 18, has recovered from the accident.