SUICIDE SOLDIER ‘TOLD TO MAN UP’
Widow tells of Army ‘pressures’
A SOLDIER killed himself after being told to “man up” when he asked for time off to look after his child in lockdown, an inquest heard.
Rifleman Mitchell Matthews helped look after his four-year-old daughter as student nurse wife Katy worked shifts of up to 13 hours on the NHS front line.
But in the days before his death the 24-year-old felt he was coming under increasing pressure to fulfil his Army duties, his widow told the hearing.
She said he was also told he would not advance in his career unless he made more effort. Mrs Matthews added: “It was just too much pressure in such an uncertain time. He was struggling and he was told to man up.”
At the time Rfn Matthews was serving with D Company 5 Rifles battalion at Bulford camp, Wilts, and the family was living in married quarters at the base.
The inquest heard the Army provided counselling and support for the pair.
But Katy had told the Bulford welfare team she was concerned at a “lack of support during lockdown” and
“bullying” of
Mitchell over his inability to attend to his duties as regularly as before. Katy and their daughter went on holiday last July, with plans for Rfn Matthews to join them the next week. The day after their departure he went out for drinks with his colleagues who said he had appeared in high spirits. But later he messaged a pal, saying: “I’m pretty gone, but I feel like ending it all.” After this message was seen, army officers and military police went to the family’s quarters and found his body. Wiltshire and Swindon assistant coroner Ian Singleton ruled his death was a suicide but concluded the Army had not known he felt he was bullied. ■ AN ex-soldier who carried Lee Rigby’s coffin died of heart failure following a history of cocaine use, an inquest heard.
Dad of one Dean Corbett, 32, had served with Drummer Rigby in the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Mum Karen Hessing told the Greater Manchester South hearing his pal’s death had a “massive impact” on her son. He was found dead at his flat last year.