A decorated former soldier who served in Iraq, East Timor and Afghanistan has been shown mercy by the judge jailing him over a violent Adelaide home invasion.
Michael Quintrell, 32, became addicted to amphetamines after suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, said Judge David Lovell in the District Court on Monday.
He had pleaded guilty to an aggravated count of serious criminal trespass in a place of residence and one of attempted aggravated robbery on April 16.
Two other men, who were armed with firearms, and Quintrell stormed the home of a terrified drug dealer, looking for money and drugs.
Judge Lovell jailed Quintrell for seven years and eight months, but ruled the "unusual case" enabled him to set a merciful non-parole period of 24 months.
"Army service is obviously not an excuse to commit crimes, however in this case I accept that direct evidence that shows your army service caused the post-traumatic stress disorder, which in turn directly led to your spiral into drug use," he said.
"It must be borne in mind that, when asked to do so, you voluntarily put your life at risk for the benefit of the citizens of Australia.
"Such a selfless act, no matter what view some people may take of the combat zones in which you fought, shows that you valued something more than you valued your own life.
"Such an act demonstrates that you are a person of considerable character."
The judge noted Quintrell had been a model prisoner while in custody on remand, that there was no appropriate counselling in jail for his disorder, and that his partner was very ill.
"You have indicated a desire to return to a law-abiding life.
"You need expert counselling to assist overcoming the problem and you can only access that once released from custody."
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