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Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement inquest: Bullying 'factor in suicide' Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement inquest: Bullying 'factor in suicide'
(35 minutes later)
Bullying and the "lingering" effect of an alleged rape were factors in the suicide of a soldier found hanged in her barracks, a coroner has ruled.Bullying and the "lingering" effect of an alleged rape were factors in the suicide of a soldier found hanged in her barracks, a coroner has ruled.
Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement, 30, from Bournemouth, died in October 2011.Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement, 30, from Bournemouth, died in October 2011.
The inquest heard she was "absolutely devastated" at a decision by military investigators not to prosecute two soldiers she had accused of raping her.The inquest heard she was "absolutely devastated" at a decision by military investigators not to prosecute two soldiers she had accused of raping her.
The coroner called for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to review its care for vulnerable soldiers.The coroner called for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to review its care for vulnerable soldiers.
Nicholas Rheinberg also highlighted "work-related despair" and a relationship break-up as factors in Cpl Ellement's suicide in his narrative conclusion at the inquest in Salisbury.Nicholas Rheinberg also highlighted "work-related despair" and a relationship break-up as factors in Cpl Ellement's suicide in his narrative conclusion at the inquest in Salisbury.
He said that although the care given to Cpl Ellement in the aftermath of the rape allegation had been of "high quality", the transfer of information when she returned to the UK from Germany, where she reported being raped, had been "unforgivably bad".
'Treated appallingly''Treated appallingly'
He said that although the care given to the Royal Military Police (RMP) soldier in the aftermath of the rape allegation had been of "high quality", the transfer of information when she returned to the UK from Germany, where she reported being raped, had been "unforgivably bad".
Following the inquest, the Army issued an apology to Cpl Ellement's family.
Mr Rheinberg said he would be recommending to the Ministry of Defence that it review its Suicide Vulnerability Risk Assessment procedures and ensure that medical personnel were given regular refresher training.Mr Rheinberg said he would be recommending to the Ministry of Defence that it review its Suicide Vulnerability Risk Assessment procedures and ensure that medical personnel were given regular refresher training.
In a statement read outside court, the family of Cpl Ellement, who was found dead at Bulford Barracks in Wiltshire, said they were "delighted" by the coroner's conclusions and recommendations.In a statement read outside court, the family of Cpl Ellement, who was found dead at Bulford Barracks in Wiltshire, said they were "delighted" by the coroner's conclusions and recommendations.
The soldier's sister, Sharon Hardy, said: "The coroner has confirmed what we have always known - that Anne-Marie was treated appallingly and let down by the Army.The soldier's sister, Sharon Hardy, said: "The coroner has confirmed what we have always known - that Anne-Marie was treated appallingly and let down by the Army.
"She was never able to recover from the allegation of rape she made in Germany."She was never able to recover from the allegation of rape she made in Germany.
"She then suffered bullying by the Army and was subjected to unacceptable work practices."She then suffered bullying by the Army and was subjected to unacceptable work practices.
"Victims of sexual abuse in the Army need proper support, which the coroner has recognised.""Victims of sexual abuse in the Army need proper support, which the coroner has recognised."
Army apology
In a statement, Brig John Donnelly, director of personal services, said the Army "deeply regrets" Cpl Ellement's death.In a statement, Brig John Donnelly, director of personal services, said the Army "deeply regrets" Cpl Ellement's death.
"Although there were aspects of her care that were praised, I want to apologise to her family for the failures that the coroner has identified."Although there were aspects of her care that were praised, I want to apologise to her family for the failures that the coroner has identified.
"We now have a clear understanding of the complex circumstances surrounding her death and where the Army needs to learn lessons."We now have a clear understanding of the complex circumstances surrounding her death and where the Army needs to learn lessons.
"Our priority is to study the coroner's conclusions and then identify what further steps can be taken to help prevent this kind of tragedy in the future," he said."Our priority is to study the coroner's conclusions and then identify what further steps can be taken to help prevent this kind of tragedy in the future," he said.
An inquest in March 2012 recorded a verdict of suicide, but last year the High Court ordered a fresh inquest after the family sought a judicial review, claiming the rape allegations had not been dealt with in enough depth during the initial hearing.An inquest in March 2012 recorded a verdict of suicide, but last year the High Court ordered a fresh inquest after the family sought a judicial review, claiming the rape allegations had not been dealt with in enough depth during the initial hearing.
Cpl Ellement's mother, Alexandra Barritt, said her daughter had been "bullied, belittled and overworked and driven to the depths of despair".
"She lost her spirit and she was broken - she was very angry that justice hadn't been done and felt completely let down," Mrs Barritt said.
Legal representation for the family has been provided by human rights organisation Liberty, which said the coroner had recognised "terrible failings" in the handling of Cpl Ellement's case.Legal representation for the family has been provided by human rights organisation Liberty, which said the coroner had recognised "terrible failings" in the handling of Cpl Ellement's case.