Afghan war veteran accused of gun threat

Afghan war veteran accused of gun threat

11 April 2012

AN Afghanistan war veteran suffering flashbacks allegedly produced a gun and threatened a group of youths in Ballygowan, the High Court has heard.

Peter Long told the teenagers to stop following him or they would be killed, prosecutors claimed.

The 44-year-old, of Prospect Crescent, has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and having a loaded weapon while drunk or under the influence of drugs.

He also faces counts of threats to kill and common assault over an incident in the village square last month.

During a bail application it was claimed he told youths he was a war veteran before pulling up his jacket to reveal a gun.

According to the prosecution Long walked off before turning round and issuing the threat.

He was later arrested and 10 legally held guns taken from his home.

Crown lawyer Kate McKay told the court Long was an army reservist whose mental stability had caused concern. “He told doctors he was having flashbacks of the war,” she said.

Long, who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, also claimed that he felt threatened during the encounter.

Ian Turkington, defending, said the accused had served as a lieutenant in the Royal Irish Regiment before being promoted to captain. He accepted that the former soldier’s mental health was “fragile” following a tour of Afghanistan in 2009.

“I’m told it was one of the bloodiest tours,” the barrister said. Mr Turkington added that up to 12 youths had followed Long during the incident.

“He put the weapon back, the weapon wasn’t used and the weapon was lawfully in his possession,” he said.

Long’s bail application was adjourned until more evidence is produced to show he is safe for release.

Mr Justice Gillen said: “I simply cannot take the chance of this man behaving in this way again in the absence of some medical report furnished to me indicating what the dangers are from a psychiatric point of view.”