AN EX-CONVICT who blasted a couple's front door with a sawn-off shotgun days after his release from jail is back behind bars for four years.

Householder Dawn Hartley was 'petrified' as she was sprayed with splinters as she came downstairs.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Sean Cook, 26, released just five days before, got involved in a neighbours' dispute which was nothing to do with him..

The court was told that earlier this year Cook was sent to custody after a 'siege' when he refused to leave Burnley General Hospital.

Assistant Recorder Barbara Forrester said in this country there was no legitimate reason ever to be in possession of a sawn-off shotgun, which could cause untold damage, serious injury and even death.

She said had Mrs Hartley been behind the door, he might have been facing a more serious offence and the court would not tolerate the use of shotguns to threaten or intimidate people.

The judge, who had read two psychiatric reports on Cook, said one doctor felt the defendant would pose serious problems to the community he was living in if he was not not in custody. She added Cook had previous convictions for violence and had been unwilling or unable to co-operate with previous sentences. Cook, of Hillingdon Road, Burnley, was given four years after admitting possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place, possessing a firearm when prohibited and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, in April. He must first serve four months one week of his last unexpired sentence.

Paul Treble, prosecuting, said neighbours David and Dawn Hartley and Sheralyn Cregg, of Clifton Street, Burnley, had been in dispute.

One night Mr Hartley heard a noise outside and looked out to see the defendant carrying something and walking up the garden path. A flash and a bang followed and a large hole appeared in the front door. Mrs Hartley was 'petrified' when she was hit by splinters.

Mr Treble said Cook was arrested after inquiries and took police to where the shotgun and spent cartridge were hidden. Both the barrel and stock had been shortened.

Robert Crawford, defending, said Cook had been threatened with 'heavies' from Manchester. He had never had a gun in his possession in his life and was in 'abject panic' when he fired it.

The gun had been hidden in a shed on an allotment and Cook showed his remorse by the way he co-operated with police. A firearms offence was completely out of Cook's league and although he was no angel, he had been a thorough nuisance in his previous offending.

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