A man arrested after two burglars were shot at his home has said he acted to protect his wife and they had both been left "scarred" by the ordeal.
Andy Ferrie, 35, and his wife Tracey, 43, were held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after Mr Ferrie called police early last Sunday following the incident at Welby Cottage, in Welby, near Melton.
Mr Ferrie told police he had fired a legally-held shotgun after a group of men entered his home at about 12.30am.
The couple were later bailed and were told by the Crown Prosecution Service on Wednesday that they would not face criminal charges.
Two men were treated in hospital after the shooting, but neither sustained life-threatening injuries.
Speaking to The Sun, Mr Ferrie said: "I was petrified, scared stiff. I only did what any other bloke would have done given the situation.
"I'm no hero or hard man. I did what I did to protect my precious, lovely wife.
"I was only a few feet away. I could have shot to kill but I didn't.
"Daft as it sounds, I was relieved later when I was told the injuries I had caused were not life-threatening. The events of the past few days have scarred us for life."
Judith Walker, chief crown prosecutor for the East Midlands, said: "Looking at the evidence, it is clear to me that Mr and Mrs Ferrie did what they believed was necessary to protect themselves and their home from intruders.
"I am satisfied this is a case where householders, faced with intruders in frightening circumstances, acted in reasonable self-defence.
"We have therefore advised Leicestershire Police that Mr and Mrs Ferrie should be released from their bail as they will not face any charges."
Two men appeared at Loughborough Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with burglary.
Daniel Mansell (33), of Harrowden Rise, Crown Hills, Leicester, pleaded guilty to the offence and was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on September 25.
Joshua O'Gorman (27), of The Wayne Way, Crown Hills, Leicester, who is also charged with burglary, gave no indication of plea and was remanded in custody to reappear before magistrates on September 14.
The court heard the couple had gone to bed at 10.15pm on Saturday and were woken hours later by banging and the sound of breaking glass.
Sally Cook, prosecuting, said: "It is no secret that a shotgun was fired at the property."
Two other men, aged 23 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Leicestershire Police said the decision not to press charges against Mr and Mrs Ferrie had been taken following a detailed investigation involving forensic investigation and input from ballistics experts.
