A multi-millionaire businessman who shot his neighbour's fire alarm to stop it ringing in the middle of the night has been sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid community service.

Peter Shalson, 53, was investigated by police after a shotgun was fired at the property next to his detached home in St John’s Wood, north west London, in January 2010.

Mr Shalson shot the outside alarm to stop it ringing and then, when this failed, climbed a fence into his neighbours’ house before removing the alarm system.

Mr Shalson grew up in Hendon and transformed East End coathanger supplier Braitrim before selling the company for more than £100 million.

He is now a pub entrepreneur and venture capitalist and is thought to be worth around £175 million.

He has supported Jewish Care and is the main backer behind the London Academy school in Edgware.

He pleaded guilty in February of possessing a firearm with intent to commit criminal damage and sentenced at Southwark Crown Court today.