A CLAY pigeon shooting enthusiast has lost an appeal to be allowed to keep his shotgun licence.

Glen Wardle's appeal against the revocation of his shotgun licence was dismissed by a judge sitting with two magistrates at Durham Crown Court, on Friday.

His licence was revoked by Durham Police after the second of two convictions within 18 months, in December 1999.

The court heard that 39-year-old Wardle was fined £600 in April 1998 after being convicted of being drunk in charge of a vehicle, and he was given a 12-month conditional discharge in December 1999 after admitting common assault on a 15-year-old boy.

The court heard the offences demonstrated that Wardle was prone to act intemperately, particularly in drink, and showed a lack of restraint.

John Temple, for Wardle, said other than the two convictions, he was of previous good character.

Dismissing Wardle's appeal, Judge Judy Moir said the two incidents showed a failure to exercise self control.

She ordered Wardle, of Henley Avenue, Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, to pay £200 costs