Soldier 'Could Not Stop The Nightmares', Inquest Hears

Cover: Warrant Officer Nathan Hunt during his deployment to Helmand province in southern Afghanistan (Picture: PA).

A soldier who served alongside Prince Harry in Afghanistan was found dead after years of nightmares and sleepless nights, an inquest heard.

Lincoln Coroner's Court was told that Warrant Officer Nathan Hunt was diagnosed with signs of PTSD after being tasked with clearing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in 2008, despite not being qualified for the role.

Another soldier who worked alongside WO Hunt told the hearing that "command pressure" within the Army had "blood on their hands" following the 39-year-old's death.

Coroner Paul Smith was told that the father-of-one was pronounced dead after family members called the police to his home in Lincoln on 2 January 2018.

The Royal Engineer's widow, Lainey Hunt, told the inquest she saw an "immense difference" in her husband after an incident during his tour of Afghanistan in 2008.

Mrs Hunt told the inquest: "I believe Nathan had had enough.

"He could not stop the nightmares and that night he believed the only way to stop them was to end his life."

Former soldier Dean Smith, who served as a search team commander during the 2008 tour, called for the Household Cavalry to be investigated over its oversight of WO Hunt.

Mr Smith claimed WO Hunt has been used "illegally" as an IED-clearer. He told the coroner: 

"I stood up against command pressure, that command pressure has got blood on their hands today."

The inquest heard that WO Hunt was seen as a "consummate professional" who would go the extra mile to achieve success.

He also served in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia, Canada, Kuwait and Tunisia.

The coroner also heard that WO Hunt had a long history of depression and had been prescribed anti-depressant medication after being discharged from treatment in 2011.

The inquest also heard that he was "extremely popular". 

Recording a narrative conclusion, the coroner said: "Taking into account the totality of the evidence I am not persuaded to the required standard (of proof) that this is a death that should be recorded as a suicide.

"It is certainly possible that Mr Hunt intended his own death, it may even be said to be probable, but I find I cannot be satisfied of that so that I am sure."

A spokesman confirmed shortly after WO Hunt's death that Prince Harry had written a private letter of condolence to his family.

An MoD spokesperson said: "The thoughts and sympathies of the MOD and the Army remain with the family and friends of WO2 Hunt at this sad time.

"The MOD strongly refutes the claim that Nathan Hunt was involved in clearing IEDs in Afghanistan, he was fully qualified to search for IEDs in order that a specialist team could clear the IEDs.

"He was not qualified to clear IEDs."