PTSD on Trial:James Guthrie

Traumatised soldier threatens pub-goer
Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 07:06

A former soldier traumatised by service in Afghanistan pulled a knife on a man in a pub toilet and threatened to cut his throat, a court heard.
James Guthrie was sentenced to 12 months jail, suspended for a year, after Gloucester Crown Court heard he held Daniel Sollis in a headlock with the knife an inch from his Adam's Apple and then cut his chin and hand in the ensuing struggle.
The 47-year-old, of Sallis Close, Northway, Tewkesbury, who is said to be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, admitted unlawfully wounding Mr Sollis and having an offensive weapon in a public place.
Judge Martin Picton also gave Guthrie a six-month mental health treatment order and placed him under an 8pm to 6am home curfew for three months with two years supervision.
He said: "What you did was very serious and very frightening for the victim and, of general concern in terms of public safety.
"But I recognise your behaviour on this night is as a result of your mental health problems, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder coupled with depression."
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Traumatised soldier threatens pub-goer