Man shot at while mowing his lawn

Maycock was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow

A 31-year-old who shot at a man who was out cutting his grass has been jailed for five years and nine months.

Mark Maycock, a prisoner in Dumfries, admitted firing out of the window of a house in Craignair Park, Annan, last year as James Campbell mowed his lawn.

He also admitted assaulting a housing support worker in Eastriggs by punching him in the face.

Maycock, who had previous convictions for assault and robbery, was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow.

Paul Kearney, prosecuting, said Maycock asked a friend to bring him his air rifle from his car on 21 August last year.

"The rifle was brought to the accused who then took aim and fired a number of shots at Mr Campbell," said Mr Kearney.

The sentence both enforces and sends out the message that violent behaviour will not be tolerated in the local community Det Sgt Julie McKay

"Mr Campbell was initially struck on his back and then on the back of his right hand.

"The accused was heard to say: 'I hit him'."

He said Mr Campbell then fled from the garden and the police were called.

In court Maycock admitted assaulting Mr Campbell by repeatedly discharging an air rifle at him and striking him on the body and hand.

He also admitted having a loaded air rifle in his possession.

Mr Kearney said that the weapon used was an air rifle designed to fire .22 airgun pellets.

He added: "Its possession by someone, such as the accused, who has received a term of imprisonment in excess of three years is an offence."

'Sentence welcomed'

The court was told that Maycock, described as a prisoner in Dumfries, had served a six-year sentence for assault and robbery.

Maycock also admitted assaulting a housing support worker, Cameron Shannon, by punching him in the face in Melbourne Avenue, Eastriggs, on 28 April last year.

Police have welcomed the prison term given to Maycock.

"The sentence both enforces and sends out the message that violent behaviour will not be tolerated in the local community," said Det Sgt Julie McKay.

She also thanked members of the public for their help in preparing the case against Maycock.