A PERSON was hit in the face and another on the thigh by pellets from a BB gun after a teenager shot them during a night in Weston town centre.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at North Somerset Youth Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, to possessing a loaded weapon in a public place and two counts of assault.

Two people were hit by pellets fired from a rear window of the car on October 21 at around 9.30pm.

The first victim, Thomas Bowyer, was waiting for a bus in Alexandra Parade when the driver of the car, who was a friend of the teenager and Mr Bowyer, called to him.

Prosecutor Jane Cooper said: “As he walked towards the car, he heard the sound of pressured gas release as if a projectile was fired.

“Something hit his upper right arm and an impact on his forehead, causing him pain.

“He instinctively put his hand over his face and pellets hit his hand and index finger and middle finger which also caused him pain.

“He turned back and four or five further pellets then hit him on his back.”

In a statement read out in court, Mr Bowyer said: “I think it is very dangerous firing pellets at people and their actions risked causing serious injury to me and other members of the public.

“I am sure had I not put my hands over my face I would have had further shots hitting my face.

“If any had hit my eye I would have been blinded.”

The car then drove off.

The second victim, Bridie Counsell, was cycling home from work in the direction of Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken in Locking Road.

Ms Cooper said: “She heard a male voice laughing and looked in the direction of laughter and saw a car passing.

“She realised it was a BB gun pointed at her through an open car window.

“She was shot at least six to eight times. One hit her right outside thigh with a stinging sensation.

“Another hit her upper right arm which was very painful.”

The teenager pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on April 1.