A gunman left families terrified by pointing a gun at a house and firing in the early hours of the morning.
Mark Kane singled out a home in Benwell, Newcastle, for reasons that remain a mystery. A witness said he fired the weapon twice on Atkinson Road just after 3am on December 12 last year.
Kane was originally charged with possession a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence but pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The gun was never recovered and his barrister claimed it was a starter pistol.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Kane, who was subject to a suspended prison sentence at the time, went to the scene with another man in a Mazda 6 car.
Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said: "Police were called by a member of the public who reported seeing an angry man with a gun discharging it in the street. He fired it twice. The caller didn't see the first but the second was fired towards the door.
"It was captured on CCTV. He parked outside number 162 Atkinson Road, got out, marched toward the front door and he then crouched down by the letter box, stepped back, remonstrated towards the upstairs window, entered the front garden of a property next door and shouted something at someone.
"He then returned to the street and produced what appeared to be a handgun and discharged it towards the house."
Kane, 31, of Iveagh Close, Benwell, Newcastle was identified as the culprit though the Mazda, which had some distinctive features and belonged to an associate of his. It arrived at Kane's home four minutes after the offence. Swabs were also taken from the letter box at Atkinson Road and Kane's DNA was found.
The court heard the occupants of the two houses in question did not give statements to police. Miss Richardson said: "The Crown still don't know why he acted as he did."
One resident in the street told how she was traumatised by the use of the gun. She said: "I saw the man with the gun and I was scared and frightened. After this I was so scared I left home, I moved out, I didn't feel safe. I would have panic attacks and we even changed the locks to help me feel safe."
Kane, 31, who has 63 previous convictions, including for possessing a prohibited weapon in 2012 - a Jif lemon bottle and its contents, was jailed for three years. He was on a suspended sentence at the time of the gun offence for driving offences.
Paul Cross, defending, said the street was deserted at the time and told the court Kane had been working to help others in prison and added: "He says it was a starter pistol and no one was at any risk."
Supt Jamie Pitt, of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been outstanding work from the investigation team and testament to the dedication and professionalism of all those involved. It was a complex and extensive investigation, with hours of CCTV required to be reviewed, multiple witnesses spoken to, detailed forensic evidence considerations and wider supporting enquires.
“Luckily no one was injured and while the round fired was discovered to be a blank, those who witnessed the terrifying ordeal had no idea.
“I want to thank the public for working with us to guarantee Kane saw his day in court and we want to reassure communities that work to tackle serious and organised crime will continue under the banner of Operation Sentinel.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of the communities we serve and will see that anyone looking to harm others has their criminal activities disrupted and those responsible put before the courts.”
