Marine threatened to kill recruit

A Royal Marine bullied a fellow recruit because of a comment made about his girlfriend, a court has heard.

At one stage John Caldwell, 24, threatened to kill 18-year-old Samuel Mouzer with a survival knife at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

Caldwell was ordered to pay Mr Mouzer £500 compensation and undertake 160 hours' community punishment at Exeter Crown Court.

Caldwell, now of Boverton Avenue, Brockworth, Gloucestershire, was discharged from the Marines after the incidents in May 2003.

Unacceptable behaviour

Judge Graham Cottle told Caldwell: "Your reaction was far more serious than it needed to have been.

"Your behaviour towards this fellow marine was totally unacceptable - it amounted to a campaign of bullying and a degree of violence.

"It must have been extremely frightening for the victim."

Caldwell appeared for sentence having earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating; one of common assault, one of causing actual bodily harm, and one of making a threat to kill.

Nick Bradley, defending, admitted Caldwell's behaviour was totally unacceptable.