Elderly man jailed for assault after man is shot

Brian Acott, 71, has been jailed for eight years, three months after another man was shot in the leg, according to Sussex Police.

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

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

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, police say.

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 21 October.

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.”

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