A BOLTON man, shot as he struggled with an armed burglar who broke into his home, has been praised for his bravery by a Crown Court judge .

Mr Geoffrey Shannon, 56, continued to fight with the thug even after being shot in his shoulder. And this morning he vowed "I would do the same again".

Judge Michael Lever QC asked that the court record his recognition of Mr Shannon, of Ashton Street, Bolton, as 'a very brave man'.

The burglar, Peter Whittle, 21 of Hawthorn Road, Deane, admitted aggravated burglary at the Shannon's home and another night-time break-in at a house in Great Lever where he also stole a car.

He was jailed for six and a half years by Judge Lever.

Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, described how Mr Shannon and his wife were in bed asleep when they were disturbed by a noise in the house.

Mr Shannon got up to investigate and was confronted by Whittle who warned him: "I have got a gun."

Despite the threat of the weapon, Mr Shannon grappled with Whittle and the two men fought in the house and back yard.

During the struggle a pellet from Whittle's air pistol was fired and entered Mr Shannon's shoulder, Mr Bassano said.

Eventually Whittle escaped but he was traced and arrested on June 11, when he admitted to being the burglar, but claimed that the shooting was an accident.

Whittle told police he carried the loaded gun for personal protection. He had gone out that night after having had a row with his fiancee, he said.

Mr Bassano said that Mr Shannon was still suffering from the after effects of the shooting and the pellet was still lodged in his shoulder.

Judge Lever said it was an exceptional piece of bravery on Mr Shannon's part who furthermore 'gave as good as he got'.

After the case Mr Shannon told the BEN: "The shoulder still hurts, but despite an operation the day after, the pellet remains embedded in there.

"I was off work for about six weeks, and although I still feel a little shaky at times, things have got back to normal.

"On the night, I heard a noise, got out of bed and found the burglar hidden behind the bathroom door. He said 'I have a gun' and that made me so angry that I just reacted.

"I did not even realise I had been shot until after he had ran off and the police had arrived.

"It is nice to have been praised by the Judge but the police deserve a lot of credit for catching him.

"I did not think what I was doing at the time. I was so very angry that this person had broken into my home and was threatening me. My adrenaline was going I suppose. Despite knowing what could have happened, I know I would do the same again."

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