Coroner slams Army over death
A coroner has criticised the British Army for failing to fully recognise the "out of character behaviour" of a Stourport soldier who hanged himself in Germany.A coroner has criticised the British Army for failing to fully recognise the "out of character behaviour" of a Stourport soldier who hanged himself in Germany. Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round recorded a rare narrative verdict yesterday at the inquest of Lance Corporal Michael Chapman, aged 23, from Bewdley Road, Stourport. Mr Round said he would be sending a copy of his inquest findings to the MoD. Read the full story in the Express & Star
Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round recorded a rare narrative verdict yesterday at the inquest of Lance Corporal Michael Chapman, aged 23, from Bewdley Road, Stourport.
Mr Round said he would be sending a copy of his inquest findings to the MoD.
He said: "Mr Chapman took his own life after warning signs of emotional distress were only partly recognised."
Stourport Coroners Court heard how Lance Corporal Chapman started behaving "out of character" shortly before he was found hanged at Athlone Barracks in Sennelager near Paderborn.
He broke a knuckle with a hammer, smashed his own bedroom windows and repeatedly locked himself in his room.
The inquest heard how L/Cpl Chapman was found hanging from a wall with a bathrobe draw cord around his neck at 9am on February 28, 2003.
Speaking after the inquest, Chapman's mother Carol Graham, aged 46, said: "The army has failed us and I don't want this to happen to any other family. I am very pleased with the coroner's verdict."
