A postman who threatened work colleagues with a cigarette lighter shaped like a gun has avoided a prison sentence.

Victor Elvidge, who was also carrying six knives and a hammer, told workmates at the Shipley sorting office that he had eight bullets and wouldn't hesitate to use them.

Prosecutor Richard New-bury told Bradford Crown Court how the 48-year-old said he had nothing against his colleagues, but was going to wait for his supervisor, Ian Milner, to come into work. Later he burst into tears and was taken home by one of the workers. When police arrived at his house, they found him asleep and recovered the lighter, together with the knives.

The court heard that in December, Elvidge, of Sel-borne Terrace, Shipley, complained about suffering from post traumatic stress disorder following the death of his brother-in-law in an accident.

Last month, Elvidge pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm and was warned he could face custody. But yesterday he was made the subject of a community rehabilitation order for 12 months.