A gunman who blasted his victim in the back as he fled after a row was jailed for ten years yesterday.

Andrew Etchells, 24, turned the double-barrel sawn-off shotgun on 19-year-old Stephen Scott during a row in the street on February 2.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Etchells had invited Mr Scott to his home in Pensher Street, Gateshead, to settle a "perceived score".

But as Mr Scott, who was there with his step-father, Kenneth, turned to head towards his nearby home, Etchells produced the concealed weapon and fired.

Mr Scott was hit by almost 100 pellets but has since made a remarkable recovery.

Etchells pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, possessing a fire arm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possessing a firearm when prohibited.

He also admitted a charge of witness intimidation which related to a series of threatening telephone calls made to Kenneth Scott in a bid to prevent him from giving evidence.