A former Nissan worker attacked his neighbour before shooting her friend in the face with a BB gun after he intervened.
Dad-of-three Adam Wilce "flicked a cigarette" at the woman and subjected her to "homophobic language" before punching her in the face on April 25, last year.
And when the woman's friend intervened and overpowered Wilce, he ran into his home and returned armed with a BB gun.
Go here for the latest reports and live updates from North East courts
Wilce then shot the man in the "mouth area" with three pellets, splitting his lip and cracking a tooth.
Newcastle Crown Court heard on Tuesday that the incident stemmed from a "road traffic accident" the day before.
The court was told that the woman was outside of her home on Brownriggs Court, Washington, when she saw Wilce in her own garden.
Wilce then made a remark regarding the accident the day before, which the woman had made a statement to police about.
Wilce then "began shouting" and words were exchanged before he "grabbed her" and told her: 'I'm going to give you a clip'.
He punched her in the face before walking back to his own home, but the woman followed, leading Wilce to push her backwards before slapping and punching her again.
It was then that the woman's friend, who was isolating at her home, intervened, before Wilce punching him as well.
The court heard that the bigger man soon "overpowered" Wilce and "pinned him to the floor" as they scuffled on the ground.
Wilce was heard saying: "She's not a woman, she's a man, it's about time someone gave her a clip".
Wilce then managed to escape and ran into his home; but he returned shortly after armed with a BB gun.
He then shot three pellets at the man, hitting him in the "mouth area" and splitting his lip and cracking a tooth, the court heard.
Police later turned up and arrested Wilce, before finding the BB gun hidden in a cupboard in his home.
In a victim impact statement, the woman said the attack made her "upset and concerned" at the "homophobic abuse" that was shouted at her.
She added the incident left her with a "lack of confidence" and feeling "anxious".
The court heard Wilce had four previous convictions for four offences, including possession of an offensive weapon in 2010.
Mr Robson, defending, said the incident was "instigated" by a comment made regarding a collision that happened the day before and involved another person.
He said Wilce was "bested" by the man who intervened which led him to arm himself with the BB gun.
Mr Robson added that Wilce had a "considerable degree of remorse" and was someone with a "good work record".
He said he used to work for Nissan before a "physical disability" cut short his career.
Wilce appeared at the court to be sentenced for two charges of assault and possession of an imitation firearm with intent.
Recorder Mark McKone sentenced Wilce to two years in prison, suspended for two years and made him subject to a six-month curfew.
He must also complete 45 rehabilitation activity days and was made subject of a five year restraining order.
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest crime and court news in the North East
