A MAN aimed an air rifle at a binman and threatened to shoot him after losing his temper over a 'mess' that had been left behind.

As the recycling was being collected on Maes Y Glyn in Lower Brynamman at around 9am on June 9 last year, Liam James came outside and began shouting about a mess being left outside his home, prosecutor Georgia Donohue said.

The driver got out of the bin lorry, and James said: ‘You think it’s funny. We’ll soon see. I’ll fetch my gun and shoot you.’

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James then went back inside and the binmen went back to collecting the neighbours’ recycling.

The defendant then came back outside and appeared to be holding a black rifle. He aimed it at the driver and was looking down the scope.

This went on for around 15 seconds, Ms Donohue said, during which time the driver shouted: ‘Go on then’.

James lowered the gun and went back inside, and the driver reported the incident to the police and his bosses.

Officers attended the address around 20 minutes later. James was arrested and an air rifle was seized. The defendant was also found in possession of 0.6 grams of cannabis.

James, now of Heol Twrch in Lower Cwmtwrch,  pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence and cannabis possession.

The court heard that the 30-year-old had one previous conviction for three offences. He was sentenced to a community order for two offences of harassment and one of sending a threatening message against his family members.

Judge Paul Thomas KC outlined the sentence he was considering for James, and asked defence counsel Jon Tarrant if he would like to put forward any further mitigation.

“I have no contrary submissions,” Mr Tarrant said.

Addressing James, Judge Thomas said: “You very stupidly lost your temper when refuse workers were carrying out their employment near your home when they made what you considered a mess.

“Your reaction was a grossly stupid overreaction.

“The man you aimed [the air rifle] at called your bluff.

“He is clearly a man of some fortitude.”

James was sentenced to 12 months, suspended for 18 months. He must complete a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days – as part of which he must undertake the ‘Managing my emotions’ programme.