Iraq veteran with PTSD died after overdose

WAR CRIME IS REDUNDANT –

May 14, 2021 – The inquest heard his records showed several occasions between 2017 and 2020 when he went to A&E after either self-harming or reported suicide attempts.

Before his death, the lorry driver had a crash which led to his HGV licence being revoked on 30 January which “had a significant adverse effect on his mental health”. Separately, Combat Stress’s funding arrangements changed and Mr Shingler was told on 9 February he would be referred to NHS providers instead.

Ms Hunt said: “Understandably, we know receipt of that letter did cause distress to Lance.”

He walked out of a voluntary psychiatric assessment on 5 February telling staff “I won’t get the support I need here” and on 11 February went drinking with a friend which ended with a stranger punching him.

Later he told Ms Gough “he wanted to die”, took what the coroner said was an “impulsive” overdose while drunk and died in hospital on 13 February.

At the start of the inquest, Ms Gough said her partner had been the love of her life and an “amazing daddy” to their two children.

Former veterans’ minister, Johnny Mercer MP, who has offered support for the family, said the government needed to realise its duty to veterans.