Court told of death threats

A financial consultant sent a series of death threats to six colleagues when he was suspended as he was due to jet off for a conference in Mexico, a court was told yesterday.

The letters from Richard Burrell had a picture of a bullet with the words "Death where is thy sting?" and the letters "RIP" below, a jury at Leeds Crown Court was told. Mr Burrell, 43, of Bridlington, East Yorkshire, who denies making threats to kill, is also alleged to have sent his manager at Legal & General a letter which read: "It's surprising how easy it is to get hold of a handgun ... It's quite worrying to think who could be blown away when someone with a grudge decides there is nothing left to live for."

The trial continues.