'Bullied' sailor shot himself
A sailor shot himself in the head on board a Royal Navy warship after suffering "bullying" banter from superior officers about the loss of his friend who also committed suicide, an inquest heard.
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'No culture of victimisation'
Coroner records narrative verdict
Mel Bloor reports from the inquest into the death of Samuel Hatton on boards Portsmouth-based ship HMS Cattistock.
Navy statement after inquest
Following the death of Samuel Hatton, the Royal Navy has released a statement.
– Royal Navy spokespersonOur thoughts remain with the family of Engineering Technician Hatton at this difficult time. An immediate Ship’s Investigation was conducted after his death and the defective rifle rack onboard HMS Cattistock has been repaired.
"We also took swift action to re-brief all surface ships and submarines on the importance of correctly controlling access to small arms and ammunition. The guidance used to identify those who are unsuitable to serve onboard small ships has also been reviewed and enhanced."
The spokesperson also said they noted the Coroner’s helpful comments and would respond in full once they had received his letter and considered what further action might be needed.
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Sailor intended to die
The Portsmouth coroner has made two recommendations to the Royal Navy after a sailor shot himself.
Read the full story'No culture of victimisation'
by Richard Slee
The inquest into the death of a sailor who killed himself on board a warship has continued today with evidence from his colleagues.
Read the full storyInquest: 'bullied' sailor's death
An inquest into the death of a sailor on board a Navy warship at Portsmouth has been told that he killed himself after being 'bullied'.
Read the full storySailor shot himself after 'bullying' banter
A sailor shot himself in the head on board a Royal Navy warship after suffering 'bullying' banter from superior officers about the loss of his friend who also committed suicide on a naval ship, an inquest heard.
Engineering Technician Samuel 'Ricky' Hatton killed himself using a rifle on board the minehunter HMS Cattistock, berthed at Portsmouth on September 12, 2010. The inquest heard that the 20-year-old had been hit hard by the death of Matthew Webster, who had shot himself on board another minehunter.
The hearing was told that in the days prior to his death, ET Hatton, who lived in Southampton, had received comments from senior colleagues asking: "Not shot yourself yet?" The inquest continues.