A SOLDIER on peacekeeping duties in Afghanistan shot a sergeant in a drunken rage before turning the gun on himself, an inquest was told yesterday.

Corporal John Gregory, 30, from Catterick, North Yorkshire, pumped up to ten bullets into Sergeant Robert Busuttil as he lay in a hammock

The pair had earlier argued and exchanged punches during a farewell barbecue for Cpl Gregory at a military camp at Kabul airport, the Wiltshire coroner's court heard.

A post-mortem examination showed that Cpl Gregory was two-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit despite a "two-can" rule, under which only four units of alcohol could be consumed within 24 hours by servicemen in Afghanistan.

The inquest also heard that soldiers were allowed to carry their loaded SA80 rifles at all times even after drinking alcohol, although during the party on August 17, 2002, they were kept in a rifle rack.

Wiltshire coroner David Masters said: "At some point there was an exchange between Cpl Gregory and Sgt Busuttil. Gregory struck Busuttil, Busuttil retaliated by striking Gregory several times to the head.

"They then made up and shook hands, but Gregory left the recreation area, coming back with an SA80 rifle.

"He found Busuttil lying in a hammock. He said to Busuttil 'do you think you're hard now?' or words to that effect.

"Gregory raised his rifle and pointed it towards Busuttil. A number of shots were heard."

Corporal Gregory had placed the rifle under his chin and pulled the trigger after shooting Sgt Busuttil, of Tycoch, Swansea, the inquest was told.

Pathologist Dr Hugh White said between seven and ten shots were fired but it was difficult to tell exactly how many because some of the bullets had fragmented.

The two soldiers, both of the Royal Logistics Corps, which is based at Marne Barracks, Catterick, were part of a small contingent from the British Army in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

They were serving with the Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Land), Combat Service Support Battalion, based at Bulford Camp, Wiltshire.

Cpl Gregory, who was brought up in Germany, leaves a widow, Annette. She is understood to live in North Yorkshire.

A soldier with Cpl Gregory and Sgt Busuttil before the shootings said the row between the pair was sparked by a lewd comment made by the senior man.

Corporal Sean Taylor said: "There was a scuffle between the two of them and I saw John punch him on the chin. Then I saw Sgt Busuttil start punching John."

Cpl Taylor said Sgt Busuttil "went wild" and repeatedly punched Cpl Gregory.

He added that the pair later shook hands and Cpl Gregory then walked off.

But between 30 and 40 minutes later Cpl Gregory returned - this time carrying his rifle in his right hand.

Cpl Taylor said that as Gregory got nearer he lifted his rifle up onto his shoulder and said 'Do you think you're hard now Bob?'

"I can recall Bob saying 'No, no.' He didn't say it angrily, he seemed to be smiling. I thought he was just joking."

Cpl Taylor then saw the muzzle flash, and after the firing stopped he could see two bodies on the floor.

Staff Sergeant Stewart Forrest, best man at Cpl Gregory's wedding, said that he had seen Cpl Gregory in a number of fights "with or without drink" but denied his friend was aggressive.

The inquest was adjourned until today.