A BOURTON hotel chef has admitted shooting another man with an air rifle.

At Gloucester crown court on Friday Barry Chapman, 35, of the Victoria Hotel at Bourton-on-the-Water, pleaded guilty to assaulting Alex Jeffries causing him actual bodily harm and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear.

The incident happened on June 13 this year.

Brian Sharman, defending, told the court: "He is 35-years-old with no previous convictions and this is a spectacular way to have his debut in crown court.

"He is a professional chef and he is aware that this is an offence for which he is facing custody."

Mr Sharman requested a pre-sentence report on his client and Judge Jamie Tabor QC agreed.

The judge told Chapman: "This is a sorry state of affairs. You find yourself almost certainly receiving a sentence of imprisonment for your first appearance in court.

"I advise you strongly to cooperate with the probation service – you need all the help you can get at the moment."

Chapman was ordered to re-appear for sentencing on Nov 3.