Family of soldier found dead on army base – linked to potentially six suicides – hope an inquest will provide answers

• Nicholas Hart, known as Nicki, 33, was found dead in his barracks in February
• Nicki, from Wales, served with 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland 
• He is believed to be one of several to have died at the base in North Yorkshire
• In August 2021, one of Nicki’s friends, based at Catterick Garrison, took his life
• For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or visit their website 

The grieving family of a soldier who died at an army base linked to several deaths say they hope an inquest will provide answers.

Nicholas Hart, known as Nicki, 33, was found dead in his barracks in February and had been suffering from mental health problems, his loved ones say.

Father-of-three Nicki, from Ton Pentre, Wales, served with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and was based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.

He is believed to be one of several soldiers to have died at the base in recent years.

Following his death, Nicki’s devastated family including his wife Sara, 36, and his sister Jamie Hart-Dobbs, 37, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate.

A pre-inquest review hearing took place in North Yorkshire on October 25 and a full inquest will take place at a later date.

Nicholas Hart (pictured), known as Nicki, 33, was found dead in his barracks in February and had been suffering from mental health problems, his loved ones say

Father-of-three Nicki, from Ton Pentre, Wales, served with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and was based at Catterick Garrison (above) in North Yorkshire

Ayse Ince, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Nicki’s loved ones, said: ‘The past eight months have been incredibly difficult for Nicki’s family who are understandably struggling to come to terms with losing him in such a tragic way.

‘In addition, the number of deaths and incidents of self-harm reported at the Catterick Army base in recent years is deeply worrying, and Sara, Jamie and the rest of the family continue to have many questions around Nicki’s death.

‘While the inquest process will no doubt be very hard for them, it’s a major milestone in being able to support the family. We’re determined to help provide them with a fair hearing and establish the answers they deserve.

‘It’s also vital that, if the during the inquest process any issues are identified, action is taken to improve the care and safety of soldiers in the future.’

In August 2021, one of Nicki’s friends, based at Catterick Garrison, took his life.

At the time, Nicki was working with the Scots recruitment team in Inverness where he lived with Sara and their children.

However, he returned to Catterick Garrison after recruitment ended.

Following this, Nicki’s family said he began struggling with his mental health.

He is believed to be one of several soldiers to have died at the base in recent years

He underwent a medical review in September 2021 which was around the same time he attempted suicide.

In late January this year, Nicki was referred to the Department of Community Mental Health which provide military centres dedicated to treating serving Armed Forces personnel.

Nicki attended an appointment with the mental health team on February 3 with a follow-up planned for four days later.

However, he was found dead in his room on February 5, 2022.

He had been married to Sara for nearly two years, but they were together for nine years.

They have three children together including Aidan, 17, six-year-old Kian and Sophia, aged six months.

Sara said: ‘The past few months have been the worst of my life. Not only have I lost my husband, but my children have lost the most loving and gentle dad.

‘It breaks my heart to know that they have to move forward with their lives without him, and he didn’t even get to meet Sophia.

‘After Nicki lost his friend, his mental state went downhill rapidly.

In August 2021, one of Nicki’s friends, based at Catterick Garrison, took his life

‘I’ll never forget getting the phone call to tell me he had died. It felt like my whole world had crumbled from under me and I didn’t know how to deal with it myself, let alone tell our children.

‘Our grief is made worse by the many questions we have surrounding Nicki’s death and whether more could have been done to help him.

‘To find out that Nicki was one of several men to have died at this specific Army base in such a short timeframe is truly shocking.

‘I know hearing evidence about what happened to Nicki will be incredibly difficult, but it’s something I need to do to honour his memory and get the answers we’re looking for.

‘We also urge that any issues found within the Army are taken seriously and improvements are made to help prevent other families from suffering like we have.

‘Sadly, there’s still a taboo around mental health, particularly in men, and we hope that sharing our story will raise awareness. If it helps just one person, it’s been worthwhile.’

The family’s lawyers say earlier this year a freedom of information request submitted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) asked for details relating to suicides and attempted suicides at the Catterick Garrison base.

Irwin Mitchell say in a written response, the MoD confirmed between November 1, 2019, and February 15, 2022, ‘there have been two coroner confirmed suicides among UK Army…based at Catterick Garrison.’

In addition, ‘there were a further four deaths…where the mechanism of injury suggests suicide’ but are currently awaiting an inquest.

It also confirmed that between November 1, 2019, and October 31, 2021, ‘there were 94 UK army personnel at Catterick Garrison with at least one incident of self-harm recorded.’

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or visit their website. 

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