Former soldier Andrew Pullin threatened to kill his wife and father-in-law

A FORMER Grenadier Guardsman with a stress disorder following active duty came home and threatened to kill his wife and father-in-law, a court heard.

Andrew Pullin was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after serving his country in Afghanistan, Bristol Crown Court was told yesterday.

After telling his wife he had bought a gun, and making a reference to "bullets", he threatened to shoot both her and her father in the head.

Pullin, 32, of Wroughton Drive, Hartcliffe, pleaded guilty to making threats to kill.

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Judge Martin Picton gave him an 18-month suspended prison sentence.

The judge recognised that the ex-soldier suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of military service.

He told Pullin: "It was a product of your service in Afghanistan, for which you have the community's total respect and gratitude. It does not excuse it but it does explain it."

Pullin was told to be supervised by the probation service for 12 months, undergo a specified activity requirement for ten days and have no contact with the complainant, unless via solicitors, for five years.

Ian Fenny, prosecuting, said: "The defendant served for his country in a very difficult foreign campaign.

"He was married for some 11 years and they have three children.

"After his return from Afghanistan they encountered difficulties and they separated in June last year."

Mr Fenny said Pullin told his wife he no longer wished to be with her, said he had bought a gun and told her: "If you get together with another man I'll kill you."

He then sent her a text mentioning "30 bullets", afterwards apologising and saying the message wasn't meant for her, the court heard.

Mr Fenny said Pullin threatened to shoot his father-in-law and told a police officer his wife would "get it now", also saying that he had an air rifle.

Catherine Spedding, defending, said her client was involved in a "horrendous incident" while on active duty.

She said: "The break-up occurred in the aftermath of him coming home from Afghanistan. There was no underlying personality disorder."

Ms Spedding said divorce proceedings were being pursued and everything was in place for Pullin to be properly supported.