Man jailed for firing catapult at victim in pub toilet

John Jack Davis, 60, of Great North Road, Sandy, was in the Cross Keys pub in Bedford on May 24 when he approached a man in the toilets and shot at him.

Initially the victim didn’t realise he had been shot, it was only several days later when he started to feel unwell and visited the hospital that he realised he had a large ball bearing lodged in his neck.

Davis was arrested on June 7, 2014 and subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence but was found guilty after a trial and received a six year sentence at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday).

Det Con Amanda Durrant said: “This attack caused a serious injury to the victim – and one which could have been a lot worse had he not sought medical treatment when he did.

“We take all acts of violence very seriously. It might be legal to own a catapult, but it’s certainly not legal or acceptable to use it to cause physical harm.

“We’re pleased that this incident was taken seriously and that justice has been served today.”