Army apprentice was verbally abused and mocked by seniors day before death, tribunal hears (opens original article in a new tab)

A 19-year-old Army apprentice was verbally abused and mocked by senior officers the day before he died by his own gun at Devoy Barracks in Naas, Co Kildare, some 35 years ago, a tribunal has heard. A former apprentice alleged that senior officers targeted the trainee motor mechanic, including rearranging his beret to look like a farmer's hat, and that this treatment contributed to his death. Another former apprentice reported physical abuse, including being kicked and punched by a senior officer, and stated he felt there was no one to complain to during his time at the training camp.

• A 19-year-old Army apprentice was verbally abused and mocked by senior officers the day before he died by his own gun at Devoy Barracks in Naas, Co Kildare, some 35 years ago.
• A former apprentice alleged that senior officers targeted the trainee motor mechanic, including rearranging his beret to look like a farmer's hat, and that this treatment contributed to his death.
• Another former apprentice reported physical abuse, including being kicked and punched by a senior officer, and stated he felt there was no one to complain to during his time at the training camp.