A MAN who blasted his ex-boyfriend in the stomach in a jealous rage at point-blank range has started a life sentence.

Tim Williams was told he would have to serve a minimum of five years before being considered for release.

The 50-year-old former pub landlord had admitted trying to shoot Luke Deards in the groin to stop him having sex with other men.

The victim was seriously injured and his left leg had to be amputated above the knee to save his life.

A judge told Williams: "It is clear to me that you were not prepared to accept that your relationship with him was over. You regarded him as your sexual property.

"I am bound to say your expressions of remorse have a hollow ring. This was a despicable and wicked offence, committed with the cruellest of motives when dominated by violent sexual jealousy."

Williams, of Stargate Marina, Vicarage Lane, Hoo, had admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He denied attempted murder and was acquitted last month by a jury.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Williams had been unable to accept the end of his long relationship with Luke Deards.

He lured Mr Deards to the Ena, the boat at Stargate Marina they had shared before breaking up and took terrible revenge.

Mr Deards, 27, suffered extensive internal injuries from the shotgun blast which left him in a coma for three weeks.

After the shooting on August 25 last year, the victim crawled off the boat as Williams followed with the gun.

Armed police arrived and negotiated with Williams for more than five hours before he gave himself up.

Mr Deards, who now has to use a wheelchair or crutches, told the jury that he was lucky to be alive.

Michael Haynes, defending, said Williams had found himself in the unusual circumstances of being in a relationship with a younger man.

"He got himself into an emotional state, whereby his behaviour was not rational," he said. "He succumbed to fits of jealousy. He accepts that his anger was completely misplaced."

Judge Andrew Patience said if he had passed a determinate sentence it would have been 10 years. Nine months spent on remand would count towards the sentence.