A teenager who shot a man in the eye with a slingshot outside a McDonald's has been jailed for two years. James Bower, 19, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.
The incident occurred in November 2024 outside the fast-food restaurant on Morecambe Road, Morecambe. Bower was seen firing ball bearings from a slingshot at seagulls from his white van. The victim, a 33-year-old man, told him to stop, asking: 'How would you like it if I did that to you?'
An argument ensued, with Bower claiming the seagulls would steal his food. The victim stood on a table, but Bower continued shooting. One ball bearing smashed a McDonald's window, and another struck the man in the eye, causing him to lose sight. He is now set to have the eye surgically removed.
Mobile phone footage captured the attack, showing Bower laughing. In mitigation, Bower said he took offence at comments about his Traveller heritage. The court heard he had an unstable background and no real education, and did not anticipate the consequences of his actions.
Sentencing, Recorder Emma Fisher said: 'Actions have consequences. Such an impact, notwithstanding your mitigation, means appropriate justice can only be achieved by immediate custody.' Bower sat with his head in his hands throughout the hearing, while his aunt sobbed in the public gallery.
