A LLANDEILO farmer lost his gun licence when a passer-by he shot too close to turned out to be an off duty detective sergeant.

David Robert Little, aged 70, appealed to a judge at Swansea crown court against a decision by Dyfed Powys Police to take away his shotgun licence.

The court heard about incidents in July and August last year when two passers-by reported hearing a whistling close to their heads which sounded like a rifle bullet.

The second incident was witnessed by Det Sergeant Whitter-Jones, based at Swansea.

Both had been near the boundary of Little's 42-acre farm at Cefn yr Ysgub, Broad Oak. Little fought the appeal in person and denied either incident had happened.

He agreed he went shooting on his land daily in summer time. But he denied owning a rifle and said he used only a 12 bore shotgun or a .410 shotgun to kill rabbits.

Questioned by Mike Edwards, representing Dyfed Powys Police, he agreed he did not like anyone on his land and had, in the past, shot foxes being chased by hunting hounds because they too had crossed onto his land.

Asked about the possible use of a rifle he denied owning such a weapon but agreed that when police searched his kitchen they found 14 rounds of ammunition in a drawer.

Little said he had no idea where it had come from.

He denied shooting through a hedge as people walked on the other two sides but accepted he was the only person to shoot on his land.

Judge Keith Thomas, sitting with two magistrates, said the appeal rested on whether or not the two incidents had happened.

He said the two complainants had no connection with Little and had no reason to fabricate their stories.

"We are satisfied they are truthful, accurate and credible witnesses. "We reject that he (Little) did not fire those shots.

The appeal is dismissed," he added.

Little was ordered to pay £100 costs.