Reading Chronicle | News | Reason for soldier's death remain unclear

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 17:01

Reason for soldier's death remain unclear

By Alex Gore

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The inquest was held at Reading's Civic Centre

THE reason why a soldier was found hanging in his barracks remains unclear following a four-day inquest into his death.

Lance Corporal Brian Young, 27, was found hanging by his dressing gown cord in his room at Dummond Barracks in Armagh, Northern Ireland, on April 13, 2003.

But there was not enough evidence for Berkshire Coroner Peter Bedford to conclude that the Reading soldier intended to take his own life or that it was a cry for help gone wrong.

Recording the narrative verdict Mr Bedford said: “Lance Corpreal Brain Young died from asphyxia due to hanging. The evidence does not fully disclose the means whereby the cause of his death arose.”

Mr Young was found in his room at around 12.50am after his mother Rosita Atherley, from Red Cottage Drive, Calcot, rang the barracks to tell staff she had received a tearful phone call from her distressed son.

But Mr Bedford questioned why a person intent on ending their life would raise such an alarm as he was also due a promotion and his request to move back to England had been granted. He had also invited another officer into his room for a drink on the night of his death.

It was also revealed Mr Young held a 35-minute telephone conversation with ex-girlfriend Lisa Masterton, also from Reading, prior to calling his mum.

Speaking at the hearing earlier this week Sergeant William Gilpin, who led the police investigation into Mr Young’s death, said: “He was challenging the Child Support Agency over the fact that money was being taken from his wages to pay for a child he didn’t believe was his.”

But Mr Bedford said: “Issues were explored with regard to disputed paternity and CSA payments but they are not considered contributory to Lance Corporal Young’s death.”

The inquest also heard how four empty cans of beer were found in Mr Young’s room on the night of his death and that he had been drinking in the barracks bar earlier that evening.

Although the barracks had a ‘two can only’ policy a colleague of Mr Young’s, Bernard McGorgy, told the hearing that it was possible to flout the rule and that he had been approached by Mr Young in the bar that night.

Mr McGory said: “Brian approached me that evening and was genuinely upset. I thought he was going to start crying. His eyes were glazing up, he was unhappy with his ex-girlfriend and a few other things in life. I said we could talk tomorrow.”

Since Mr Young’s death the Ministry of Defence has carried out a full inquiry including a review of its alcohol policy which includes recommendations and an action plan.

Mr Bedford has asked to see the action plan and will make his own recommendations in due course.

Speaking after the inquest Ms Atherley said: “I just want to say that I’m relieved about the out come and I just hope that the army take something away from this today and implement it for the good of other soldiers.”

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