RRoS soldier found hanged at Catterick died by suicide, inquest concludes

A Royal Regiment of Scotland soldier who was found hanged at Catterick Garrison died by suicide, an inquest has concluded.

Nicki Hart, 33, who served with 4 Scots, was found dead in his room in Munster Barracks at the North Yorkshire base on 5 February 2022.

The inquest in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, heard how the Highlander had a history of mental health problems and his family had expressed concerns about his use of alcohol.

Missed opportunities

Coroner Jonathan Leach accepted there were missed opportunities, but they did not contribute to Highlander Hart's death.

Those missed opportunities included:

:: In 2012 and 2014, the MOD failed to properly code Highlander Hart's threats and previous attempt to commit suicide on his personnel and medical records.

Therefore, when his mental health deteriorated, it was not immediately clear to the chain of command and medical professionals that he had a history of attempting suicide.

:: A doctor at the garrison medical centre, Lieutenant Colonel Bloodworth, missed an opportunity three months before Highlander Hart's death to get the soldier into treatment for his mental health.

In evidence, Lt Col Bloodworth was accused of being dismissive of Highlander Hart at a medical appointment on 23 September 2021.

The officer said in a statement to the inquest that he was "desperately sorry". 

The inquest heard how in the space of 18 months four fellow soldiers at Highlander Hart's base had taken their own lives, and how one in particular had affected Highlander Hart’s mental health.

It heard how 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.

Tragic circumstances

Ayse Ince, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Highlander Hart's widow Sara and sister Jamie Hart-Dobbs, issued a statement after the inquest concluded.

It said: "It's been an incredibly distressing time for Sara and Jamie who continue to struggle with losing Nicki so suddenly and in such tragic circumstances.

"Grieving has been all the harder because of the number of questions and concerns that they have around what happened to Nicki.

"It has been very difficult for Sara and Jamie to hear again what Nicki went through at the inquest.

"Sadly, along with the Service Inquiry Report, the inquest has identified some missed opportunities in the care provided to Nicki.

"Nicki had a very significant history of mental health problems, including numerous suicide attempts, and this was recognised far too late.

"When Nicki made the difficult decision to reach out for help he did not receive it.

"Nicki suffered with depression and thoughts of suicide for several months before his death during which time he was under the care of the Army and their medical services.

"People affected by mental health are some of the most vulnerable and should be cared for at the highest standards."

Serving with pride and dedication

At the conclusion of the inquest, Highlander Hart's platoon commander, Captain Sandiford, was singled out by the coroner for going "above and beyond" in his efforts to support his soldier. 

And an Army spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of Highlander Nicki Hart at this difficult time.

"Nicki served his country with pride and dedication, and we're conscious of the profound effect his loss has had – and continues to have – on his loved ones and his many military friends and colleagues."

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