A FATHER who was cleared of a pub shooting ended up back in the cells after celebrating his acquittal.

Robert Fox, 34, made a jubilant gesture after a jury at Newcastle Crown Court cleared him of shooting James Bannon, 49, at the Rovers Return pub, in Sunderland, on September 30.

Mr Bannon was left with a 7cm wound in his left leg after the shooting.

He later identified Mr Fox as the gunman, but Mr Fox, of Harold Square, Hendon, Sunderland, said he was in Luton at the time of the attack.

After more than six hours deliberation, a jury cleared him of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Mr Justice Henriques had made repeated warnings that the courtroom must remain silent when the verdicts were delivered, and ordered Mr Fox back to the cells.

Paul Addison, Mr Fox's barrister, apologised on his behalf.

He said: "He wishes to apologise profusely. His emotions got the better of him. He has been in custody for six months and he has young children he has not seen for some time. He apologises."

Following the apology, Mr Fox was released.