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A SERVING soldier who stole explosives from the Royal Artillery to use in private war games has won a cut in his jail term at London's Court of Appeal.

But the halving of his sentence may not be enough to save 26-year-old Adam Pearce's career, after top judges refused to suspend his custodial terms.

Pearce, of Heath Square, Larkhill, Wilts, pleaded guilty to theft and having an explosive substance at Salisbury Crown Court, and was jailed for a total of two years in May. His lawyers told Mr Justice Irwin and Mr Justice Coulson a custodial sentence means an end to an Army career, and attacked the sentence as "manifestly excessive".

The judges agreed the Lance Bombardier's jail term was too long, reducing it to 12 months, but said the offence was so serious it could only be met by custody.

Pearce had stolen flares, smoke grenades, rounds for use in a self-propelling gun, and artillery designed to be used in a Howitzer - as well as manufacturing a grenade - and storing them in his married quarters in a cupboard under the stairs.

He told police he had been careful to ensure they were stored safely, but Mr Justice Irwin said they could have caused serious injury, or even death, if accidentally triggered by, for example, a house fire.

Pearce also said he had taken the items for use in Airsoft, a more sophisticated version of paintballing.

The judge added Pearce, who said he found the items when he was walking on Army grounds while off duty, was in something of an unstable state when arrested in December 2006.

Police attended his house following a row with his wife, and Pearce was taken to hospital after overdosing on painkillers.

When his wife showed police the armoury, the bomb squad had to be called in.

Mr Justice Irwin said Pearce had shown "considerable achievement" while in the Army, and had completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan during his nine-year career in the services.

The court also received character references from his commanding officers, and Mr Justice Irwin said the sentence was "too severe" - but 12 months was the most lenient punishment the court could impose.

He added it was up to the Army - which does not want to dismiss him as a soldier - whether it bends the rules for Pearce and allows him to resume his career when he has finally served his

11:15am Thursday 17th July 2008

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