Bernard Mongan's family say inquest 'enormous disappointment'
Recording an open conclusion, senior coroner for North Yorkshire Jon Heath said it was "regrettable" he was unable to "go further" than the post-mortem findings.He concluded that "on occasion Bernie was subject to treatment, and spoken to, by some of his chain of command in a manner that caused him distress".However, despite numerous previous suicide attempts, Mr Heath said there was "insufficient evidence for me to conclude it was likely [Mr Mongan] took the drugs he was known to have taken, and the level of alcohol, with the express intention of ending his own life".The Army said the delay in discovering Mr Mongan's body was "unacceptable and profoundly regrettable".The Royal Signals soldier, who had served in Iraq, had been spending his Christmas leave in his room at Catterick Barracks, but was due to start an attachment with the Army's 77 Brigade in Berkshire on 7 January 2020. However, neither camp noticed that he was missing.
Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
13 minutes ago
- BBC News
HMP Swinfen Hall showers and drinking water affected by leak
A water leak at a prison in Staffordshire has affected the supply to showers and cells, according to relatives of have been in touch with the BBC and said their sons at HMP Swinfen Hall, near Lichfield, have been unable to shower for several days.A spokesperson for the Prison Service said there had been access to clean drinking water at all were stopped as a precautionary measure while the issue was addressed, but the water supply to cells was not compromised, they added. "The situation is resolved and the water supply to HMP Swinfen Hall has been reinstated," a spokesperson said on Tuesday. One woman, who said her son was an inmate at the prison, said prisoners had been given a 500ml bottle of water to last through the night and had not able to shower."The whole wing was stinking because people weren't able to have showers," she said."I was disgusted, in this heat as well. They're locked up and they've got no drinking water - they've basically just given them a little supply," she said."It shouldn't be happening. They should be supplying them with basic needs."She added that she had to top up her son's account for use in the canteen to buy extra drinks. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Independent
15 minutes ago
- The Independent
3,000 new police officers to be placed in communities
Labour minister Diana Johnston has vowed that every community in England and Wales will now have a named and contactable police officer. Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, the policing minister confirmed that 3,000 new police officers have been recruited to assist neighbourhoods. Members of the public can find their local officer by entering their postcode on their force's website or by making a phone enquiry. The government has allocated £200 million to police forces to ensure the effective implementation of this scheme.
The Independent
15 minutes ago
- The Independent
Asylum seeker charged with sexually assaulting male while staying at protest-hit Epping hotel
A Syrian asylum seeker residing at the hotel that has been at the centre of recent anti-migrant protests has been charged with several sexual offences. Mohammed Sharwarq, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, faces seven charges linked to offences alleged to have been committed between 25 July and 12 August. The 32-year-old was taken in for questioning on Tuesday and has since been charged, and has been remanded into custody. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court later today. A spokesperson for the force said: 'Mohammed Sharwarq, a Syrian national who resides at The Bell Hotel, Epping has been charged with the following offences: two counts of common assault; four counts of assault by beating; one count of sexual assault on a male contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 'The offences are alleged to have taken place between 25 July and 12 August. 'He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday 13 August. 'Officers are not currently seeking any other suspects in relation with this case.' Protests began in Epping on 13 July after another asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, denies sexual assault and is due to stand trial this month. Home secretary Yvette Cooper has called for more transparency from police about suspects, and said it was an 'operational decision' for forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over what details to release. Ms Cooper said 'we do think more transparency is needed' in the information given by police.
