A FORMER member of the Parachute Regiment has been spared an immediate jail sentence after barging into a man’s Bradford home late at night and attacking him. 

James Farndale, who was also in the Territorial Army, had served his Queen and country, the judge sentencing him at Bradford Crown Court on August 3 said.

Farndale, 43, pleaded guilty to an affray at the address in Clayton Heights on May 17, 2021. 

He and two other men knocked loudly on the door at 11pm.

They went away but returned soon afterwards and forced entry. 

Prosecutor Christopher Dunn said "an ugly incident" ensued in which the victim was assaulted and £100 damage done to the kitchen door before the three made off in a vehicle. 

The police were alerted and while officers were present at the address, a phone call was received threatening violence and asking: "Where do you want to be buried?" 

The man was treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) for minor injuries. 

Farndale, of Barnby Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, declined to answer any questions after he was arrested. 

He had 12 previous convictions for 15 offences. 

Ella Embleton, Farndale’s barrister, said he accepted responsibility for punching the victim. 

She urged the court not to jail him, saying he was capable of rehabilitation and suitable for a community order. 

He had served in the Parachute Regiment and then the Territorial Army. 

A tragic family death had caused him to suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression. 

He was a qualified plumber and helping his partner with her business. 

Miss Embleton said it would be detrimental to Farndale’s mental well-being if he was locked up. 

She added that the offence was now more than two years’ old and he was lightly convicted for any offences of violence.

Judge Ahmed Nadim said the three men were in a mob-handed attack that violated the safety and security of someone’s home.

They had proceeded to attack the occupant and cause damage. 

They were under the influence of drink or drugs and a threat was made after they had left the address. 

But Farndale had not committed any offences in the more than two years since and he was last convicted of anything in 2015. 

He added that the 43-year-old had served his Queen and country and his mental health issues would be made worse if he was jailed. 

He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 20 Rehabilitation Activity Days and 200 hours of unpaid work.