A former engineer held a gun to a pensioner’s head after a row over sheep on his land.
Brian Capstick, 52, turned on William Hodgson, 68, ranting about a £200 debt on December 11, 2019.
A judge heard how William was left “terrified” after Capstick fired a near 80-year-old revolver into the air before pressing the weapon against the OAP’s face.
The victim was able to escape before alerting police.
Capstick, said to have previously worked on television shows, now faces a jail term after he pled guilty to a breach of the peace and two separate firearms charges.
The High Court in Glasgow heard how William had used Capstick’s land to graze sheep in 2016.
Prosecutor Angela Gray then added: “In 2019, he still owed Capstick £200 for that service.”
On the day of the crime, William was driving home on the B723 near Boreland when Capstick overtook and then stopped.
The OAP also pulled in believing Capstick wanted to speak to him.
William apologised about the debt, but Capstick yelled: “I want my money and I want it today.”
Capstick then took a gun from a plastic bag before leaping out his van.
He stated: “I have had enough of this.”
Miss Gray told the court: “He raised his right hand into the air and fired the gun over the top of the van.
“William Hodgson heard a loud crack or bang.
“Capstick then placed the barrel against the left side of his face close to his ear.
“William Hodgson described feeling terrified.”
The hearing was told Capstick then started to “calm down”, but claimed he did not have money to pay for his MOT, which was overdue.
William managed to get home and it was there his son noticed blood on his father’s face.
Despite what happened, the OAP went to Capstick’s home that day and gave him £160 towards the debt.
Capstick was described as “calm and polite” at the time.
William was initially reluctant to go to police, but was persuaded by family.
Capstick went on to be arrested in Cumbria days later following another gun-related incident at his parents’ home.
Police there discovered the firearm held against William.
Miss Gray said it was a British Military .38 revolver dating from 1942. The weapon was in working order.
Police later searched Capstick’s home in Ecclefechan.
They found boxes of ammunition as well as another firearm part.
The court heard Capstick was jailed for five years in England in 2020 for pointing a gun at his parents and firing it in their home.
He had since been freed and was on bail for this latest case.
His KC Tony Lenehan said “everything was positive” in Capstick’s life until being affected by serious personal issues.
The defence advocate told the court: “This is a man, squarely in his middle years, who was a successful and talented builder and engineer.
“He was the creator of buildings included those used in television programmes.”
Lord Matthews continued bail for Capstick and deferred sentencing until next month.
