A Bristol man who shot a woman after accusing her of selling his car has been handed an interim hospital order.

Terry McDonagh, aged 32, had denied shooting Julie Heron just below her left knee when he could not get his Ford Focus back.

McDonagh, of Bonnington Walk, Lockleaze denied possessing a prohibited weapon and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. But a jury at Bristol Crown Court took just over three hours to convict him.

On Monday Judge Michael Roach imposed the temporary order. McDonagh's mental health will be assessed to see if he needs hospital treatment.

The court was told Ms Heron received the car from a man to cover a £400 debt and her son sold it on in Cardiff.

McDonagh approached her, saying the car was his and that he wanted it back.

When she didn't return the car he produced a handgun and shot her left leg. The incident happened at a crack house in Conduit Place, St Paul's, the court heard.

"He was standing by the door and he said 'I am going to shoot you in the kneecaps now'," Ms Heron told the jury.

Her children said they were being continually contacted by a man with an Irish accent who threatened their mother would be shot if she did not hand over the car.

Ms Heron's partner, Steven Hall, said some Irishmen took him in their transit van to track down Ms Heron and reclaim the Ford Focus.

He had spent two and a half days locked in the back.

Mr Hall was back in the St Paul's flat when McDonagh called.

"He fired four shots. One bullet fell on the floor, the other grazed her leg, one went through her calf and one went in the settee," he said.

Ms Heron, a mother of nine, admitted smoking crack at the time.

On McDonagh's conviction, Detective Sergeant Adam Stacey said: "I am particularly satisfied such a violent and dangerous individual has been found guilty of this cowardly act and will now spend what I hope will be a considerable amount of time in custody.

"Bristol is a safer place without him.

"Tribute must be paid to the victim Julie Heron and her family for having the courage under very difficult circumstances as well as the faith and belief in the police that enabled us to secure this conviction.

"The police are dedicated to eradicating the threat of firearms from the streets of Bristol. I would encourage anyone with any information relating to the criminal use of firearms to come forward and speak to us in confidence."