Soldier who went Awol leaves army

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A soldier who went absent without leave with a friend amid bullying claims has left the army and will not face a court martial, the Ministry of Defence says.

Ptes Andrew Jones and Andre Treble left Buckley Barracks, Wiltshire, in March and were later arrested in Cwmbach, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

They returned to their barracks and the Royal Military Police investigated.

But Pte Jones, 22, from Penrhiwceiber, near Mountain Ash, has now had his army discharge papers, his mother said.

Anne Evans added: "He won't face a court martial because he has left."

She said she had only had a brief conversation with her son over the phone is was not yet aware of all the details.

The men went missing from Buckley Barracks near Chippenham after Pte Treble claimed he was beaten by soldiers, who then ransacked his room.

Pte Andrew Jones previously said he wanted a "normal job"

Pte Treble, also 22, had described how he was allegedly attacked and punched by other soldiers at the barracks while minding his business in his room.

He claimed he was left with cuts on his head and a black eye.

Pte Jones said he felt he had to stand by his friend because of the bullying.

But after going Awol, a warrant was issued for their arrest.

They were arrested by South Wales Police at the end of March following a tip off from a member of the public and transferred to the custody of the Royal Military Police.

At the time, Pte Treble said: "The first day we were Awol we went to Wales, to Aberdare.

"After that we went up north to Preston, Blackpool staying in B&Bs and in the car - anywhere we could because we had no money."

They returned to south Wales but knew they could be arrested at any time.

Pte Jones, who is married to Clair, 27, said after going Awol: "All I want to do now is get out of the Army and concentrate on being a husband and father. I want to get a normal job and have a normal life."