Telford shot a child with an air rifle in 1993

In March 2000 a three-year-old mare, Frisco, was found in her field with 18-inch bolts sticking out of her neck and rib cage, and Prince, a five-year-old gelding, had been shot between the eyes.

The horses were found bleeding and distressed by their owner David Scott when he visited them in their field at Whickham, Gateshead.

Passing sentence at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tony Lancaster told Telford it was fortunate both horses had survived.

The judge said: "Photographs of their injuries are unpleasant to look at and the horses must have suffered considerable pain.

"Fortunately, they appear to have recovered well.

Aped killings

"You are a man who is fascinated by weapons, by killing animals and by outdoor pursuits.

"You appear to have an unhealthy interest in the SAS and military matters."

Police found SAS survival books at Telford's home in Kipling Avenue, Swalwell, Gateshead, which showed details of how to bring down and kill wild animals.

You seem to be entirely the wrong sort of person to be able to lawfully possess any sort of firearm

Judge Tony Lancaster

Officers also discovered an almost complete gun, based on the M16 rifle, which had the potential to fire lethal shots if it had been finished.

Judge Lancaster sentenced him to serve four months for the two counts of criminal damage and 20 months for possessing and manufacturing a weapon, the sentences to run consecutively.

Telford has a previous conviction for assault after he shot a child in the arm with an air rifle in 1993, the court heard.

Judge Lancaster ordered the destruction of the defendant's crossbow, as well as his homemade firearm, and said he hoped Telford would be refused a firearm licence if he ever applied for one in the future.

"You seem to be entirely the wrong sort of person to be able to lawfully possess any sort of firearm," he told the defendant.