COUNTY NEWS: Man jailed after shooting

A 71-year-old man has been jailed for eight years and three months after another man was shot in the leg last October, according to police.
Brian Acott, 71, was jailed for eight years and three monthsBrian Acott, 71, was jailed for eight years and three months
Brian Acott, 71, was jailed for eight years and three months

Police said officers were called to an address in Fairmead Close, Fittleworth at around 6.40pm on Saturday, 31 October 2015 to a report of an argument between the two men.

A 61-year-old local man was treated by paramedics at the scene for a gunshot wound to the leg and taken to hospital, before being discharged a few weeks later, police added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brian Acott, 71, retired, of Fairmead Close, Fittleworth was arrested and subsequently charged with wounding with intent, possessing a firearm when prohibited for life and possessing a prohibited weapon, a police spokesperson said.

Acott pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon and Section 20 assault and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Chichester Crown Court on October 21, the spokesperson added.

Speaking afterwards Detective Constable Ceri Spratt said: “This was an unusually violent incident to happen in a quiet, rural community.

“I am pleased with the sentence imposed and hope that it will in some way help the victim following what was undoubtedly an incredibly traumatic experience.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.