Man, 42, threatened to shoot bailiff

Roy Smith refused to open his door and then armed himself with an air rifle as Dean Stevens tried to clamp his car.

He told Mr Stevens the gun was "ready to go" before getting into the car and driving off.

But 15 minutes later, Smith, of Coldstone Cross, Kingstone, Hereford, returned to his home carrying the gun.

He allowed a detective entry and surrendered the weapon before being taken to hospital with an angina attack.

Smith, aged 42, had been through a harrowing time since the incident on July 6, 2001 said Mark Wall, defending.

His client had suffered heart problems, his marriage had folded and his six-year-old son was dying from a rare infection. His mother was now dying from cancer.

Judge Michael Mott said the misfortunes had punished Smith severely already and saved him from immediate custody.

He gave him an 18-month prison term, suspending it for two years. Smith admitted possession of a firearm with intent to provoke fear of violence.

Warned

Mr Stevens and another bailiff called at Smith's home to recover a fine of £195, said Francis Laird, prosecuting, which had risen from £15 due to administration costs.

Smith spoke to them through a window, refusing to let them inside and as Mr Stevens bent down to clamp his car, Smith warned: "Get your hands off the car or I'll shoot you."

He then took the gun from the car boot, aimed it at the bailiff and Mr Stevens backed away.

Smith told police an argument blew up and he thought the bailiffs were going to force their way in.

Smith, who has a record of firearm offences, said the gun was used only as a warning.

The case put a strain on his marriage, which had ended. In November last year his son died, which hit him very hard and led to an unsuccessful suicide attempt.

"It's been a terrible catalogue of events but he hasn't given up," said Mr Wall.

"It was a stupid thing he did but he is not danger to society.

"No one can punish him more than he had been punished."