WOULD-BE soldier Mark Harvey fired three shots in a bid to frighten a noisy neighbour, a court heard.

Harvey, 21, hoped it would stop Benjamin Bennett's "druggie friends" holding late-night parties and urinating through his letter-box.

Cardiff crown court heard that Harvey, of Bluebell View, Bulwark, went to Mr Bennett's home in Oakfield Way, Caldicot, at 11.30pm on April 20, and fired three blanks from a starting-pistol - two deliberately, one accidentally.

Harvey admitted possessing a firearm with intent, but told the court he aimed it at the floor and only meant to frighten Mr Bennett.

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees told the court: "His girlfriend, Sarah, who lives in the same street, had been receiving abuse from Bennett and his druggie friends. The previous Thursday, someone had urinated through the door of their home."

In mitigation, Peter Davies said Harvey was "frustrated" by the situation. Harvey admitted an unrelated charge of common assault, following a dispute between his friends and another man, Dave Clarke.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, heard that Karl Kington, aged 22, of Moor Street Archway, Chepstow, fought with Mr Clarke on Christmas Eve last year, and another man - Craig Oliver, aged 22, of Channel View, Bulwark - punched Mr Clarke, who needed five stitches to the back of his head for a cut.

Harvey and Oliver met Mr Clarke again on May 4, and pushed him and challenged him to a fight.

Appearing at Cardiff crown court, Oliver admitted common assault for the May 4 incident and unlawful wounding for the Christmas Eve fight. Kington admitted affray on Christmas Eve.

Judge Aubrey said: "The people of Chepstow are fed up with people like you who drink at night and behave like strutting peacocks, challenging each other and getting involved in abuse and fights."

He ordered Oliver to carry out 100 hours' community service and imposed a two-year community rehabilitation order (probation order) with £300 costs.

Kington must serve 150 hours' community service and pay £300 costs.

Harvey received a community punishment order of 240 hours, and was ordered to pay costs of £600. The judge also ordered that the gun be destroyed.

His barrister said Harvey's dream of joining the army would be dashed if he received a prison sentence.

Judge Aubrey told him: "I am impressed with what I have read about your efforts to put your life in order. There are probably few better qualified than Her Majesty's Armed Forces to help your rehabilitation."