A former British soldier is preparing to sue the army, claiming that sectarian hatred in Northern Ireland left him severely depressed.
Colin Fergus, who was stationed in south Armagh, is considering legal action against his former employers for failing to realise he was suffering from post-traumatic stress.
The 35-year-old from Renfrewshire in Scotland, who also served in the Falkland Islands, was given a medical discharge from the army six years ago.
Now the former soldier is gearing up to sue the army for at least £100,000, pending a psychiatric evaluation.
Mr Fergus served as a Royal Engineers officer and oversaw building work at Crossmaglen police station.
He claimed that he was subjected to months of sectarian hatred during his tour of duty in the north.
"Every day in Northern Ireland, you lived in fear you were the next soldier who would be blown up or picked off by a sniper. I was terrified but, because I was an officer, I couldn't admit it," he said.
Mr Fergus, who was promoted to the rank of captain at the age of 26, said he felt he was unable to do his job.
He claimed that he was bullied at the Royal Engineers training school and was exhausted and depressed after serving in the Falklands but that it was his time in south Armagh that pushed him over the edge.
"I put the gun in my mouth and was about to pull the trigger when I thought of my family back home and the effect it would have on them," he said.
Solicitor Cameron Fife said if psychiatric opinions deemed the army negligent, the former soldier would sue for damages and loss of earnings.
A British army spokeswoman said: "If a claim is made it will be examined by the Ministry of Defence and a legal liability needs to be established. If that is established then compensation will be paid."
