Latest news with #Catterick


BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Soldier did not harm himself before death in Catterick
A soldier whose dead body lay undiscovered for three weeks in his bed at an Army barracks had not harmed himself before he died, an inquest has the first day of the inquest into the death of 33-year-old L/Cpl Bernard Mongan at Catterick Barracks in January 2020, North Yorkshire Coroners' Court heard that the soldier had not been seen since the inquest, senior coroner Jon Heath considered whether the soldier could have died from poisoning after barbiturates including Promethezene and Phenobarbital, which have a sedating effect, were found in his paramedic Paul Spence told the court there was "no evidence of self-harm or suicide". Mr Spence, from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: "He was found by friends in his bed and had not been seen at work since Christmas time."There were no empty medication bottles nearby or signs of self-harm and had severe stages of decomposition, which made it harder to work out his death." Also giving evidence, pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper said the state in which L/Cpl Mongan's body was found on 23 January 2020 meant it was difficult to determine how he had died."The levels of the two drugs can't kill him alone and would require a third substance," he told the court."There was an empty Jack Daniel's whiskey bottle found in his no evidence of when or how quickly the alcohol was consumed.""I've thought about this, and I just don't have enough evidence to pull you in one way or another," Dr Cooper added that there had been nothing such as problems with L/Cpl Mongan's heart or brain to explain his sudden death, and no injuries had been found on his body."If he had taken the alcohol and drugs he could have died, but I just don't know if he did," Dr Cooper added. 'Amazing dad' The inquest into the death of L/Cpl Mongan also heard from the soldier's mother, Mary Mongan, who called her son a "dedicated father of three".Ms Mongan told the court: "Family meant everything to him and he meant everything to us."Even though he has gone, we are still proud of all his achievement, as we had a very close bond."It's devastating for all of us that he is no longer with us. His death has left us with so many questions as it came as such a shock for us all."Meanwhile, L/Cpl Mongan's wife, Beth Mongan, who was separated from him at the time of his death, said the 33-year-old "had a wicked sense of humour".He was "an absolutely amazing dad" and was "loving and ambitious" for his three children, she said."He would read them bedtime stories every night and left them with a love of reading, too."Even though we were separated, we still spent a lot of time together. He was a sweetheart."The inquest, which is expected to last three weeks, continues. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.


Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Death of 'bullied' soldier whose badly decomposed body was found three weeks after he died remains a mystery, inquest told
The death of a 'bullied' soldier whose body lay undiscovered in his bunk for three weeks has left his family with 'so many questions', they told an inquest today. Lance Corporal Bernard 'Bernie' Mongan, 33, was allegedly the victim of 'systematic harassment' and 'bullying', a coroner was previously told. The Iraq veteran was last seen at his base in Catterick, North Yorkshire, on December 27, 2019, when he was looking forward to a new posting. But three weeks after being reported missing, on January 23, 2020 his badly decomposed body was found in his single room accommodation, Northallerton Coroner's Court was told. An empty litre bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey was found in his room, along with body-building supplements, while tests on his body found a type of barbiturate. The two most likely causes were considered to be poisoning or a sudden abnormality of the heart, the inquest heard. But a Home Office pathologist told the first day of what is expected to be a three-week hearing that he could not say which of these was the most likely. The father-of-three's cause of death was officially recorded as unascertained due to the period of decomposition. Relatives of Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan, 33, described him as 'intelligent' and 'happy-go-lucky' but said if he was 'bullied or targeted it was hard for him to accept' Lance Corporal Mongan - described by his family as 'intelligent' and 'happy-go-lucky' - had joined the Army because he wanted to see the world, the court was told. But if he was 'bullied or targeted it was hard for him to accept', his widow told the coroner. Pre-inquest hearings have been told that the soldier was the victim of 'systematic harassment, and bullying by those responsible for his welfare'. It was also alleged that the bullies included some of Lance Corporal Mongan's superiors in his own chain of command. Paramedic Paula Spence who was called to reports of a 'male, not breathing, possibly deceased', today's proceedings heard. 'I found the patient face-down on his bunk with obvious decomposition,' she said in a statement. 'There was no evidence of self-harm of suicide but this does not completely rule out suicide as a cause of death.' There were no signs of any empty packets or injuries on the body, although a heart problem could not be ruled out. Lance Corporal Mongan was known to use pre-workout proteins, the court heard. A toxicology report found amobarbital in his system, but at a level associated with a 'therapeutic dose'. The inquest heard amobarbital was a sedative that is not currently legally prescribed in the UK. The inquest heard the chances of protein supplements contributing to his death were 'vanishingly rare' if they were obtained legally. Forensic pathologist Dr Peter Cooper told the hearing he had 'thought long and hard' about whether Lance Corporal Mongan's cause of death could be established. 'There is nothing worse than having no cause of death,' he said. 'But I do not think I can. 'There is not enough evidence to pull me in one direction of another.' Earlier Lance Corporal Mongan's mother Mary said he grew up with a passion for football, boxing and music. She told the hearing: 'He was intelligent, friendly with an infectious smile. He had a happy-go-lucky approach to life like myself. 'When Bernie first told me he wanted to go into the Army when he was 18 he was very excited. 'He wanted to do something for himself. 'As a mum, I was concerned but supported his decision and was proud of him. 'It is devastating for all of us that Bernie is no longer with us. When we heard the news we did not believe it. 'His death has left us with so many questions. 'We still can't understand it. 'It was a shock to all of us which caused immense heartache.' Widow Bethany Mongan, mother of his three young daughters, said although the couple were separated at the time of his death they were still in love They met when she was 18 and he was 21 and married in 2011, a year after the birth of their first child. She said: 'He was an amazing dad. He loved music, boxing - and adventure. He hoped to go to university and travel the world. 'What he loved about the Army was travelling to different places and that was one of the reasons he joined in the first place. 'He raised money for a charity for vulnerable children. He would do anything for anyone and had a heart of gold. 'Bernie was a sweetheart. If he could help you he would, he was a big softie. 'He struggled with acceptance throughout his life... If he was bullied or targeted it was hard for him to accept.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Italian restaurant to host night in aid of charity for disabled riders
A Richmond restaurant is set to host a fundraiser for a charity that helps disabled riders. Capri Italian restaurant in Richmond will host the event on Tuesday, June 17, at 7pm. Guests will be treated to a two-course meal, a quiz, a raffle, and entertainment. All proceeds from the night will go to the Richmond and Catterick Group Riding for the Disabled charity. The raffle will include prizes such as House of Commons champagne from Richmond MP Rishi Sunak, a ticket to four shows of the Edinburgh Fringe preview, entry for two into Catterick races, a voucher from Flowers, Feathers and Fascinators, and a diffuser from Nichola Jones. Tickets for the event are £25 per person, with a limit of 80 guests. Jacquie Warner, volunteer group publicity officer for the Richmond and Catterick Group RDA, said: "Fancy a great night out, having an Italian meal and helping a really good cause at the same time? "All money raised on the night will go towards the running costs of charity Richmond and Catterick Group Riding for the Disabled, providing lessons to local disabled riders." The group is run exclusively by volunteers and helps disabled children and adults in the area gain the therapeutic benefits, independence, and fun of horse riding. Booking forms, which include menu choices and payment options, are available by contacting Jacquie Warner on 07774 274026 or by email at The charity's Facebook page is


Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Friday, May 30
Mail Sport's racing expert Robin Goodfellow delivers his tips for Friday's meetings at Chepstow, Brighton, Stratford, Catterick, Carlisle and Haydock. CHEPSTOW ROBIN GOODFELLOW 1.55 Pub Crawl 2.25 POMME POMME (nap) 2.55 Sea Of Kings 3.25 Connie's Rose 3.55 Paragon 4.25 Sea Poetry 5.00 Ravenglass GIMCRACK 1.55 Al Khawaneej River 2.25 Sol Argent 2.55 SEA OF KINGS (nap) 3.25 Joy Choi 3.55 Paragon 4.25 El Matador 5.00 Too Much Trevor BRIGHTON ROBIN GOODFELLOW 2.05 Kisskodi 2.35 Mare Of London 3.05 Cables Queen 3.35 Voix De Bocelli 4.05 Lexington Knight 4.40 Havana Mojito (nb) 5.15 Port Hedland GIMCRACK 2.05 Royal Accord 2.35 Dandy Orton 3.05 Cables Queen 3.35 Miss Dandylion 4.05 Annexation 4.40 Johnjay 5.15 Port Hedland NEWMARKET - 2.05 Kisskodi (nb) STRATFORD ROBIN GOODFELLOW 5.50 Barton Snow 6.25 Famous Clermont 7.00 Jeux D'eau 7.35 Latenightfumble 8.10 Captain Tommy 8.45 Frere d'Armes GIMCRACK 5.50 Barton Snow 6.25 Famous Clermont 7.00 I'm Spellbound 7.35 Gracchus De Balme 8.10 Rebel Dawn Rising 8.45 Joker De Mai CATTERICK ROBIN GOODFELLOW 5.43 Homestrait 6.18 Wee Mary 6.53 Agathon 7.28 Albegone 8.03 Farandaway 8.38 Dream Deal GIMCRACK 5.43 Gaga Mate 6.18 Cheerleader 6.53 Star Legend 7.28 Glory Fighter 8.03 Wicket Keeper 8.38 Dream Deal CARLISLE ROBIN GOODFELLOW 1.45 Reel Her In 2.15 Moghitha 2.45 Sergeant Mayor 3.15 Promise Time 3.45 Cascade Hall 4.15 The Outlaw 4.45 Highfield Viking 5.20 Purple Martini GIMCRACK 1.45 Reel Her In 2.15 Under The Radar 2.45 Sergeant Mayor 3.15 Love Games 3.45 Educate 4.15 Rosemary May 4.45 Golden Goose 5.20 Front Gunner NORTHERNER - 1.45 BOLLIN NEIL (nap); 5.20 Rwenearlytheredad (nb). HAYDOCK ROBIN GOODFELLOW 5.30 Ribble River 6.05 Simply Ruby 6.40 Command The Stars 7.15 Jarham 7.50 Participle 8.25 Crackergee GIMCRACK 5.30 Ribble River 6.05 Pole Star 6.40 Commanding Officer 7.15 Think Of A Name 7.50 Participle (nb) 8.25 Kurakka NEWMARKET - 7.15 THINK OF A NAME (nap)


Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Saturday, May 24
Mail Sport's racing expert Robin Goodfellow delivers his tips for Saturday's meetings at Catterick, Cartmel, Haydock, Goodwood, Beverley, Salisbury and Windsor. Catterick Robin Goodfellow 1.40 Watch And Shoot 2.15 Yellow Dream 2.50 Zephlyn 3.35 Reservardo 4.05 Irish Dancer 4.35 Synergism 5.13 One More Dream Gimcrack 1.40 Watch And Shoot 2.15 Eye On The Prize 2.50 Captain Potter 3.35 Zubaru 4.05 Irish Dancer 4.35 Salaria 5.13 Beauzon Cartmel Robin Goodfellow 4.00 Expelliarmus 4.30 Getaway Vic 5.05 Mermaids Cave 5.38 Fairlawn Flyer 6.08 Disco Annie 6.38 Big Bee Hive 7.08 Defence Witness Gimcrack 4.00 D Day Arvalenreeva 4.30 Getaway Vic 5.05 Musique De Fee 5.38 Fairlawn Flyer 6.08 Klitschko 6.38 Judicial Review 7.08 Beat The Edge Haydock Robin Goodfellow 1.15 No Retreat 1.50 Humam 2.25 Ambiente Amigo 3.00 Symbol Of Honour (nb) 3.30 RUMSTAR (nap) 4.10 Maelstrom 4.40 Caballo De Mar Gimcrack 1.15 Kindest Nation 1.50 Dixieland Blues 2.25 Running Lion 3.00 Arizona Blaze 3.30 Mgheera 4.10 Mu Mu Land 4.40 Caballo De Ma NEWMARKET – 2.25 Running Lion (nb); 3.00 SYMBOL OF HONOUR (nap) Goodwood Robin Goodfellow 1.30 Yankee Dude 2.05 Opportunity 2.35 Blue Nguru 3.15 Star Of Light 3.45 French Master 4.20 Song Brocade 4.55 Carrados Beverley Robin Goodfellow 1.35 Tarriance 2.10 Argentine Tango 2.45 Naval Light 3.20 Wadacre Giorgio 3.55 Billyb 4.25 Dandy's Angel 5.00 Thats My Boy Luke Gimcrack 1.35 Tarriance 2.10 Artista 2.45 Naval Light (nb) 3.20 Spring Chorus 3.55 Lerwick 4.25 Dandy's Angel 5.00 Triple Force NORTHERNER – 3.20 FREDDY ROBINSON (nap); 4.25 Life On The Rocks (nb). Salisbury Robin Goodfellow 4.45 Son of Sarabi 5.20 Cogitate 5.50 Stanhope Gardens 6.20 Realign 6.50 Jarraaf 7.20 Kosometsuke 7.50 Komodo Island 8.20 Robusto Windsor Robin Goodfellow 5:30 Blue Train 6.00 Regional Rock 6.30 Little Saver 7.00 Claim That Smile 7.35 Strike 8.05 Argentum 8.35 Newfangled Gimcrack 5.30 Barry's Boy 6.00 White Ladder 6.30 Doddington Guy 7.00 Dream Out Loud 7.35 Strike 8.05 Queen Sansa 8.35 Newfangled