A GUNMAN who aimed an air rifle at two accusers and threatened to “blow the side of their faces off” has been jailed.

Mark Russell, aged 29, from Ebbw Vale, pointed the weapon at two men after they confronted him over an alleged theft of a van.

Prosecutor Jenny Yeo told Newport Crown Court the offence happened at the defendant’s home in Moorland Road last autumn.

Russell pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, the offence being committed on October 1.

The defendant was represented by Stephen Thomas who said his client had panicked when the two men had approached him.

There was no evidence that Russell had anything to do with the theft of the van, his barrister said.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke jailed the defendant for 21 months.