A PUB doorman has won the right to practise his sport after overcoming police refusals for a shotgun licence.

Michael Binks, 38, was refused a licence by Durham Chief Constable George Hedges, after concern over two incidents he was involved in while working on the doors of licensed premises in South Shields.

Mr Binks, of Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, was cleared of assault after a trial relating to one incident, in 1996. In the other, dating from 1998, he was never charged.

Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hogg told Durham Crown Court that in both incidents Mr Binks appeared to have acted in temper.

But, appealing against the refusal of the licence, Mr Binks pointed out that having worked as a doorman for 14 years, these were the only two incidents he has been involved in, and he remained unconvicted.

He said he was registered to work as a doorman across Tyne and Wear, complying with regular checks.

Mr Binks, a married man who has worked as a council painter and decorator for 22 years, said he had complied with all security measures and lived in a respectable area.

He told the court he owned two air rifles and had use of a shotgun on private land.

Mr Binks said he was "quite capable and proficient in their use", and said he wanted the licence for the sports he pursued.

Granting his appeal, Recorder Peter Bullock, sitting with two magistrates, said: "Looking at this in the light of all the evidence, we are going to allow the appeal and grant a shotgun certificate.

"There are concerns, but not sufficient to say he should be denied the certificate."