Farmer's grim shotgun threat

But Nicholas Criddle, 31, yesterday received a suspended prison sentence, after a court heard his lifestock would have to be destroyed if he was jailed.

Criddle, of Castle Lodge Farm, Henllys, brandished a shotgun at Kerry Diver after an argument between the two on October 18 last year.

The court heard that Criddle told police after his arrest: "I may have threatened to kill her but that's just what you say, isn't it?"

Stephen Jeary, prosecuting, said the two had an argument the previous night in a public house and the following day Ms Diver went to Criddle's farm, where she keeps horses in stables, to find they had been blocked by a lorry.

Miss Diver confronted Criddle in his caravan and in a rage she kicked his bed and left, the court heard.

As she climbed over a gate, she turned to see Criddle holding the double-barrelled weapon and fire a bullet into the air.

He shouted: "The next one is either for you or for your horses."

Armed officers from Gwent Police were called to the scene and the force's helicopter was scrambled.

Criddle pleaded guilty to having an unlicensed shotgun and to possessing the weapon with intention of causing fear of violence.

Hilary Roberts, defending, told the court that the livestock on Criddle's farm, which includes 150 sheep, 150 chickens and 31 cows in calf, would have to be sold or destroyed if the defendant was jailed.

Mr Roberts said: "There is nobody who can take over the running of the farm if he is sent into custody today."

He also stressed that Ms Diver said she did not feel threatened by Criddle's actions.

Judge David Morris said the effect of Criddle's imprisonment on both the family farm and his parents, who are dependent on their son, would be "wholly disproportionate as to be unjust."

Judge Morris sentenced Criddle to 14 months but suspended the term for two years. He was ordered to pay £600 costs and the shotgun was confiscated.