A MAN who shot an air rifle out of his window in Machynlleth and hit three people who were out celebrating New Year’s Eve, has been sentenced to five years.

Defendant David Keith Cornell, 27, was jailed today (Tuesday) at Mold Crown Court after admitting wounding with intent and two charges of attempted wounding with intent, together with a charge of possessing the Turkish made .22 air rifle with telescopic sights with intent to cause fear of violence.

Cornell, of Pentrerhedyn was told that if he had been convicted after trial he would have received a seven-and-a-half year sentence.

Judge Niclas Parry told him that his behaviour “beggar’s belief” and could have resulted in death.

He said: “When you were out of your mind through drink and drugs you fired the weapon into the public street in Machynlleth through an open window and you shot three people,” he said.

“One of the victim’s injuries was potentially life-threatening when the lead pellet made its way between the ribs towards the lung.

“If the lung had been penetrated then he could have died.”

Two others were shot but not as seriously hurt.

“This was a terrifying incident on a busy night,” Judge Parry said.

Read the full story in this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes edition of the Cambrian News