Tan Hill Inn: Camper 'tried to kill' man after pub row, court told

Richard Bowser is accused of attempting to murder Lee Jackson at the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire

A camper held a gun to another man's head before shooting him in the arm following a brawl at Britain's highest pub, a court heard.

Richard Bowser is accused of attempting to kill Lee Jackson at the Tan Hill Inn on 21 July.

Teesside Crown Court heard he shot at Mr Jackson after being ejected from the pub for attacking the manager when his bank card was declined.

Mr Bowser, 46, of Bishop Auckland, denies two counts of attempted murder.

Mr Bowser is on trial at Teesside Crown Court

Opening the case, prosecutor Christine Egerton said Mr Bowser had been staying in a glamping pod at the remote pub, which is about nine miles from the nearest village of Reeth, near Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The barrister said that on the day of the attack Mr Bowser had spent the evening drinking at the bar and had become aggressive when his bank card had been declined.

She said when he had been asked to leave by the manager, Nichola Townsend, he had pushed and slapped her and a fight had broken out involving two other men, Ryan Lockwood and Karl Pearson.

Ms Egerton said later that night Mr Jackson, a relative of Mr Pearson, had gone to find Mr Bowser, who had then produced a gun and held it to Mr Jackson's head.

The court heard Mr Bowser had pulled the trigger but the chamber was empty and Mr Jackson fled to a nearby bunk room, closing the door behind him.

The barrister said Mr Bowser had then fired four times at the door, with one of the bullets hitting Mr Jackson in the arm.

Giving evidence, Mrs Townsend described Mr Bowser as a tall and "very well-built man" and said she had been left with bruising and pain to her neck after he had slapped her.

Mr Bowser has previously pleaded guilty to assaulting three people and possession of a firearm, but denies a charge of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life as well as two counts of attempted murder.

The trial continues.

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