A man who repeatedly shot at a former friend’s door with an air rifle during a dispute in Margate has been jailed for 18 months.
Paul Richardson, 52, fired at the door and then shouted threats at the victim two weeks later.
He was jailed at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, January 24 for possession of an air rifle and witness intimidation.
Richardson shot at the victim’s door on July 13, 2019. Officers who attended heard the sound of the air rifle being fired and later found Richardson heavily intoxicated near the air gun.
He admitted to police that he had fired the gun but claimed his actions were safe.
Two weeks later Richardson returned to the property to shout threats at the victim and was again arrested.
Richardson, of Buenos Ayres, Margate, admitted possession of the gun and was found guilty at trial of witness intimidation.
PC Shaun Ridgard, Kent Police’s investigating officer, said: “Richardson repeatedly fired the weapon while drunk and could have caused serious injury. He then attempted to intimidate the victim who had sought justice.
“I hope this sentence sends out a message about the seriousness of using weapons like these recklessly and of attempting to prevent victims from supporting prosecutions.”