Soldier was humiliated by seniors in WhatsApp chats before his death, inquest hears

An inquest into the death of a serving Royal Signals soldier has heard how one of his superiors shared degrading videos of his "humiliations" in a WhatsApp group chat.

Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan's body was discovered in his room at a barracks in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, in January 2020.

The inquest previously heard that LCpl Mongan had lain dead in his room for some time, after last being seen alive on or around 27 December 2019 – three weeks before his body was found.

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Giving evidence on the second day of the inquest, former Corporal Stephen Timmerman said the treatment LCpl Mongan endured included being "shouted, screamed and swore at", adding: "Bullying would be an understatement."

Mr Timmerman, who lived in the same accommodation block as LCpl Mongan, told the hearing he "wasn't treated the same way" as other soldiers in their squadron.

"He was given tasks that he shouldn't have been given, and just the general way he was spoken to by higher ranks," Mr Timmerman said.

Now a civilian, Mr Timmerman told the court that LCpl Mongan had issues with two sergeants, was "undermined", and "come down on very harshly". He revealed LCpl Mongan had been considering making a service complaint about his treatment.

Asked directly if he believed LCpl Mongan had been bullied, Mr Timmerman replied: "I would say that was an understatement," adding that the lance corporal had been "degraded".

Mr Timmerman also described the circumstances that led to the discovery of LCpl Mongan's body. He told the inquest he had noticed an "unusual smell" in the block, which prompted him, a superior officer, and a civilian staff member to gain access to the room.

The inquest heard LCpl Mongan had secured a posting with another unit, where he was due to report for duty at the beginning of January 2020. Because of this, Mr Timmerman did not expect to see him in Catterick after returning from Christmas leave, assuming his friend had begun his new role.

The inquest was also told LCpl Mongan had previously attempted to take his own life on several occasions and had spent time at a Help for Heroes-run recovery centre.

The inquest heard that a Home Office pathologist was unable to determine the cause of death due to the level of decomposition by the time LCpl Mongan's body was discovered.

The inquest, which is scheduled to last for three weeks, continues.