Judge: Vet was scarred by war

Judge: Vet was scarred by war
Barre Montpelier Times Argus - Barre,VT,USA
By David Delcore Times Argus Staff
Published: December 3, 2008

BARRE – If Thomas Coffey hadn't served his country with distinction during a military career that has spanned nearly two decades, the Waterbury man would almost certainly be serving time in jail today.

But he's not, because Judge Brian Grearson concluded during a Tuesday morning sentencing hearing that if Coffey hadn't served his country, he may never have done anything to deserve jail time in the first place.

Coffey, 40, is a decorated war veteran who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after returning from his latest tour in Iraq two years ago. His charges stem from an incident where he walked into a crowded barroom in Montpelier last New Year's Eve with a loaded semi-automatic pistol tucked in the waistband of his pants.

Before the night was over an intoxicated Coffey would draw the .45-caliber pistol and place its barrel behind the left ear of another Charlie-O's patron with whom he had exchanged threatening glances.

No shots were fired and by all accounts Coffey left the bar when asked. He was arrested moments later by Montpelier police who were on First Night celebration foot patrol at the time.
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