A man with no arms who swam for Wales stabbed his dad in the stomach with a blade from of a pair of scissors held between his toes, a court heard.

Rory O’Connor’s father needed major surgery after the 23-year-old slashed him with the makeshift weapon at the family home.

In a statement read to Cardiff Crown Court, victim Kevin O’Connor said his main concern was his son’s wellbeing - and that the attack would not stop him supporting his son.

Matthew Roberts, prosecuting, said O’Connor was born with no arms, as well as a number of other medical conditions. He had played in able-bodied football teams and swam competitively for Wales.

He said the defendant had taken to carrying a weapon - one blade from a pair of scissors - between his toes after an incident in which he was threatened while walking in woodland.

The court heard his parents were 'concerned and frustrated' about him carrying the weapon.

On November 3 last year, the defendant and his dad how a row about the blade.

Mr Roberts said the father picked up a metre-long tube from a vacuum clear and prodded his son in the chest.

O’Connor then 'struck out' with his foot, slashing his father in the abdomen.

The court heard the victim needed 'serious medical intervention', including surgery.

O’Connors, from, Whitchurch, Cardiff, admitted wounding on the basis his actions were reckless rather than intentional The court heard he had no previous convictions.

In a statement, Kevin O’Connor, said his 'greatest concern' was for his son’s wellbeing and safety.

He described the events of November 3 as 'regrettable', but said they had given him a greater insight into the difficulties his son was experiencing.

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The dad said he did not want the assault to be the 'defining negative moment' of his son's life, adding: "He has has so much more to offer."

(Image: Wales News Service)

Mitigating, Andrew Davies said the defendant had been determined to overcome his 'desperately sad start to life'.

He said O’Connor had gone to mainstream school, where he achieved 12 GCSEs, played football and swam competitively through Disability Sport Wales.

His family described him as a 'brave and intelligent' young man, Mr Davies added.

The barrister said O’Connor had developed depression in his late teens.

He said the defendant was 'devastated' about the injuries he had inflicted on his father and invited the judge to follow the recommendations of the Probation Service, which had concluded O’Connor was 'a young man who cannot be judged by normal standards'.

The barrister said O'Connor would welcome the chance to do unpaid work as part of any community-based sentence as it would enable him to gain some independence and meet new people.

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The court heard he was able to carry out a range of activities with his feet, such as washing himself, and unpaid work could be found for him in a workshop setting.

Judge Philip Harris-Jenkins said O’Connor was a 'remarkable young man' who had 'risen above' his significant disabilities.

The judge noted the defendant's behaviour had changed following the incident win which he was threatened while out walking, an episode which seemed to have increased his sense of vulnerability.

He sentenced O’Connor to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation course.