A jilted pensioner attempted to murder his former love's new man by shooting him with a double-barrelled shotgun at an allotment.

Reuben Bettis, 68, blasted Derek Hamersley, 67, in the stomach and hand after claiming he wanted to meet up for "clear the air" talks over love interest Irene Williams, 60, a warden from the sheltered housing complex where both men lived in Lansbury Gardens, Tilbury.

Bettis, who borrowed the shotgun from a friend "to deal with some rabbits on his allotment", fired between 30 and 40 shotgun pellets at Mr Hamersley in one blast of the gun.

He was just nine ft away from his victim, whose hand took the full force.

Mr Hamersley needed surgery and is still recovering from his injuries, which has left his hand "severely impaired".

Basildon Crown Court heard yesterday how Bettis had been in a relationship with Miss Williams for several months and was distraught at their break up and the fact she had formed a relationship with Mr Hamersley.

Prosecutor Andrew Jackson said Bettis told his former love he wanted to make sure Mr Hamersley would take care of her.

He arranged a meeting at the Rectory Road allotments, in Orsett, in April last year.

Mr Jackson said: "The defendant was standing by his greenhouse with the shotgun already loaded and the safety catch off.

"He fired the gun and the shot went through Mr Hamersley's left hand and the pellets scattered across his stomach.

"Mr Hamersley turned and ran shouting for help.

"He was worried about being shot in the back."

After the shooting, Bettis sped off in his car.

He then called Miss Williams to tell her what had happened, the court heard.

Bettis changed his plea yesterday. He admitted attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life.

The court heard medical evidence showed Bettis was in the throes of a "depressive illness" when he opened fire.

Judge Philip Clegg adjourned sentencing to look at mental health reports, but said Bettis faced jail.

He will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on February 19.