A BLAENAVON man is facing a lengthy jail sentence after admitting going on a shotgun spree, shooting the windows of a pub and two shops.
Jason Watkins, aged 38, of Riverside Drive, admitted three charges of causing criminal damage and three of possessing a shotgun at the time of committing the offences. The court heard he had armed himself with a Spanish double-barrelled shotgun.
Prosecutor Eugene Egan told Cardiff crown court: "In the early hours of March 20 he used a shotgun at three commercial premises, two in Blaenavon and at the Crown Hotel, Varteg.
"He fired the gun through a window of the Crown Hotel at about 3.20am, causing damage of £1,000.
"He later telephoned the landlady and told her damage had been caused at her premises and claimed he was a police officer," said Mr Egan.
He then caused £200 worth of damage by firing at a window at the Spar supermarket in Broad Street, Blaenavon.
In the same street he fired at an 8ft by 6ft plate-glass window at Morris Black, Butchers, causing damage of £2,000.
"In the early hours he was seen in Blaenavon by the police and claimed to officers he had seen three people in a car, gave detailed descriptions of them and said they had carried out the damage.
"The police then gave him a lift home," added Mr Egan.
Officers later searched his home and found two firearms and ammunition. One proved to be the gun he had used to fire at the three premises.
Sentence was adjourned for probation reports and Watkins was released on bail.
Judge David Wyn Morgan told him: "I take the view that these offences are so serious they can only be met by a lengthy custodial sentence. You are likely to lose your liberty, therefore make your own arrangements."
After the hearing, Barbara Lewis, of Morris Butchers, whose shop window was shattered by Watkins' attack, said: "We are pleased that the person responsible for such a serious incident has been taken to court and is to be punished.
"We'd like to thank the police officers involved for their investigation, their help, and their good communication with us."
Sergeant David Pheasant, of Blaenavon police, said: "We're very happy that the seriousness of this offence will be reflected in the sentence given.
"The case took a huge amount of forensics work and I hope this will act as a deterrent."
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