Man shoots friend dead after testing 'bulletproof vest' after 'a few drinks in the pub'

After admitting to manslaughter, the man was jailed for seven years over the killing that took place in June.

18:26 16 January 2015

Lorry driver Ian Catley has been jailed for seven years for shooting his friend dead after testing a “bulletproof vest.”

Catley went to his local pub and asked his friends to wear the jacket and be fired with a shotgun. After a few drinks, 47-year-old Philip Harper agreed to test it in a nearby field in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire.

However, it was later found that the vest was not bulletproof but merely protective. Instead of stopping the bullet, it went through Mr Harper’s chest, slicing an artery. 

Judge Jeffrey Pegden QC told Catley: "You shot Mr Harper at a distance of less than 20 feet, causing him catastrophic injuries and immediate death.”

"You then, straight away, took him to hospital but tragically, nothing could be done to save his life."

The court heard Catley had nightmares about what he had done.

"Your remorse is complete and genuine," the judge said.

"You recognise the magnitude of your actions and I have no doubt that the effects of killing your good friend will last with you for the rest of your life."