by Keith Hunt

A convicted murderer working as a security guard brandished a shotgun at two intruders and shot one of them in the foot.

The injured man, Charles Harris, took off his boot and saw blood and holes in his sock.

The other man, Darren Maile, called the police and guard and caretaker Brian Turley was arrested.

Now, the 62-year-old has been recalled to prison on his life sentence licence and jailed for three years.

Turley was locked up at Leeds Crown Court for murder in 1990 and released on licence in August 2001.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he moved to Kent, settled into the community and was "making a go of it".

Jo Cope, prosecuting, said Mr Maile and Mr Harris admitted going to Charles Trent Ltd vehicle recycling yard in Paddock Wood on November 23 last year to steal.

Late in the evening after the site had closed, Turley confronted the men telling them: "Don't move, I have got a gun. Move towards the building or I will blast you."

Mrs Cope said Mr Harris had an anxiety or asthma attack, but Turley ordered him to go into the office.

"He was pointing the shotgun in his direction," she said. "Mr Harris saw him raise the weapon. He heard a bang. He ran into the office to join Mr Maile.

"He could feel pain in his left foot. He saw bullet holes in his shoe. He took off his boot and could see holes in his sock and blood.

"Mr Maile called the police. The defendant called his manager saying: 'You had better get down here. I have someone in yard and I have just shot one of them.'"

The prosecutor said the injury was caused by a ricochet. Mr Harris needed surgery to remove the pellets embedded in his foot.

Turley, who lived in a caravan on the site in Willow Lane, told police he bought the single-barrel shotgun as a "scare tactic".

He claimed it went off accidentally when he heard a noise in the bushes.

Turley, of Pond Farm, Old Hay, Brenchley, admitted possessing a firearm when prohibited.

An assault charge was dropped. He will remain in prison until the parole board orders his release.