A GUNMAN who terrified staff and customers at a pub was sentenced to a total of five years in jail yesterday.

Shaun Conroy, also known as Shaun Porritt, had denied bursting into the Netherfields pub in Middlesbrough, threatening staff and customers with a sawn-off double-barelled shotgun, and jabbing it into the head of landlady Jane Crosby.

The 6ft 8in tall man said witness had been mistaken, as he had not been in the pub on Thursday, March 8 this year, when the incident took place.

However, a jury at Teesside Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of affray, making threats to kill, as well as two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that the 32-year-old, of Fullbeck Road, Middlesbrough, had a number of previous convictions dating back to 1985, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Philip Lancaster, prosecuting, said: "Mr and Mrs Crosby have both now left the public house. This incident clearly had a profound impact on their lives."

Judge Michael Moorhouse said: "This is an extremely serious matter. It is the court's responsibility to ensure that members of the public are protected from people like you. Certainly the Crosby family has been affected quite severely."