A gunman who tried to murder a rival by blasting him with a shotgun from point-blank range will be sentenced next month.
John Dees shot Darren March in the chest, causing life threatening injuries in the attack in Washington last October.
Dees had followed Mr March in a car before summoning him to the passenger side window, lifting a sawn-off shotgun and shooting him.
Dees, who had been involved in a dispute with Mr March, then fled the scene as his victim slumped to the ground, fighting for his life.
The calculated gunman then sought to cover his tracks - removing his car's metallic black wrap so it became silver and shaving his hair off.
The 28-year-old victim was taken to hospital in a critical but stable condition after the attack, which happened in Washington, Tyne and Wear.
Dees, 33, had been due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court but, the court heard, further medical evidence will be sought before the case can be concluded.
Dees, of no fixed address, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possessing a firearm, namely a shotgun, with intent to endanger life at an earlier hearing, will now learn his fate next month.
He also admitted a charge of damaging property in relation to a Northumbria Police cell.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said Dees will be back in court, via video link, to be sentenced on May 15.
The judge told him: "I am going to adjourn your case until May 15 and you will be produced over the live link, as you have been today.
"You must attend the live link room. If you refuse to do so the sentence hearing could proceed in your absence.
"You understand you will receive a significant custodial term in any event."
The firearm believed to have been used in the attack was recovered by police.
Detective Sergeant Steven Brown, the officer in charge of the case, said previously it was a “miracle” that the victim was not killed.
“This was a terrifying and pre-meditated shooting committed in broad daylight on a bustling Washington street,” Det Sgt Brown said.
“Dees followed his victim in a car, acting aggressively and erratically, before calling him over and firing a sawn-off shotgun at point-blank range.
“It is nothing short of miraculous that the victim survived – we could so easily have been dealing with a murder investigation and conviction.
"Dees proved that he cannot be trusted to live in a lawful society and now faces a long time in prison. There can be no doubt that the streets of Washington are a safer place with him behind bars.
“The victim in this case has shown incredible bravery throughout this case, and I would also like to thank the detectives who worked meticulously and tirelessly to ensure Dees was brought to justice for his crimes."
