A MAN who shot pellets at a Bishop Auckland Rugby Club sign with an air rifle has been sentenced to a 12 month community order.

Craig Cunningham, 34, of Ladysmith Street, in Bishop Auckland, was seen shooting at the sign on Bridge Road at 8.30am on Thursday, October 10 by an off duty police officer.

The off duty officer spoke to Cunningham and then reported the incident to Bishop Auckland police.

A search was made of Cunningham’s home and the weapon plus some pellets were found.

A probation report had been compiled on Cunningham. Emma Richards, his defence solicitor, declined to say anymore and stated that the report covered all she wanted to tell the court.

Cunningham pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a loaded or unloaded air weapon in a public place.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe sentenced Cunningham to the community order. He will also pay £40 towards court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

The weapon and the pellets were forfeited and they will be destroyed.