Alcohol use and loss of a friend brought up at inquest into soldier's hanging death

A Royal Regiment of Scotland soldier who was found hanged at Catterick Garrison had been devastated by the death of a friend at the barracks six months before, an inquest has been told.

Nicki Hart, 33, who served with 4 Scots, was found dead at the North Yorkshire base in February 2022.

The Highlander had a history of mental health problems and his family had expressed concerns about his use of alcohol.

Friend's death had massive impact

The father of three, who was originally from Rhondda Valley in South Wales, had been drinking heavily after the death of his friend, Ryan Mackenzie, at the garrison the previous August.

Former soldier David Twiname told an inquest in Northallerton, North Yorkshire: "The effect on Nicki was massive."

Mr Twiname said alcohol became a coping mechanism for Highlander Hart, who would buy beer and wine from a local superstore and take it back to his accommodation.

The witness said he made a conscious decision to be with Highlander Hart as he was worried about his friend's mental health.

Mr Twiname described a diagram his comrade showed him which demonstrated how he aimed to kill himself, but to do that he needed to get around obstacles, namely his friends.

Missed opportunities to help

Assistant Coroner Jonathan Leach said a toxicology report found the amount of alcohol in his system would have put the soldier more than twice the legal drink-drive limit when he died.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was hanging.

A Service Inquiry Report found there were "missed opportunities" in the care he received before he died.

He developed post-traumatic stress disorder after a 2012 tour of Afghanistan, the inquest heard, but went on to serve a second tour of Afghanistan in 2020.

The coroner also heard how Highlander Hart sent family members a video in the aftermath of a previous attempt to kill himself in October 2021. 

He was referred to mental health specialists and attended an appointment two days before his death.

The inquest continues and is due to last 10 days.