This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/bristol/7073519.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Soldier's injury pay 'degrading' | Soldier's injury pay 'degrading' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The family of the youngest soldier to be injured in Iraq has described a £57,000 payout by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as a "degrading insult". | The family of the youngest soldier to be injured in Iraq has described a £57,000 payout by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as a "degrading insult". |
Jamie Cooper, 19, suffered serious wounds when the Royal Green Jackets were attacked in Basra last year and could face using a wheelchair for life. | Jamie Cooper, 19, suffered serious wounds when the Royal Green Jackets were attacked in Basra last year and could face using a wheelchair for life. |
The payout is an "immoral slap in the face" said his father, Phil. | The payout is an "immoral slap in the face" said his father, Phil. |
But an MoD spokesman said it is part of "an overall compensation package" Mr Cooper, from Bristol, will receive. | But an MoD spokesman said it is part of "an overall compensation package" Mr Cooper, from Bristol, will receive. |
The teenager - who now faces a future "on benefits", according to his father - suffered extensive injuries, including shrapnel slicing through his stomach, in the mortar attack last November. | The teenager - who now faces a future "on benefits", according to his father - suffered extensive injuries, including shrapnel slicing through his stomach, in the mortar attack last November. |
My son loved the Army and laid his life on the line for his country. Seeing him treated like this by the MoD makes me despair Phil Cooper, soldier's father | My son loved the Army and laid his life on the line for his country. Seeing him treated like this by the MoD makes me despair Phil Cooper, soldier's father |
Pte Cooper hit the headlines in March after his family complained he had been treated "appallingly" at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, where he twice contracted MRSA. | |
He was also diagnosed with suspected clostridium difficile after undergoing bowel surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, in October. | |
MoD officials offered him £46,000 for his damaged leg, £10,350 for his pelvic and abdominal injuries and £1,237.50 for his wounded hand. | MoD officials offered him £46,000 for his damaged leg, £10,350 for his pelvic and abdominal injuries and £1,237.50 for his wounded hand. |
However, Mr Cooper's father, who estimates the family have spent more than £46,000 on expenses since he returned home, said: "The package from the MoD is an immoral slap in the face. | However, Mr Cooper's father, who estimates the family have spent more than £46,000 on expenses since he returned home, said: "The package from the MoD is an immoral slap in the face. |
"My son loved the Army and laid his life on the line for his country. Seeing him treated like this by the MoD makes me despair." | "My son loved the Army and laid his life on the line for his country. Seeing him treated like this by the MoD makes me despair." |
'Financial assistance' | 'Financial assistance' |
The teenager's other injuries included extensive nerve damage, a smashed pelvis and a shattered right hand. | |
His parents have sold their house and spent £40,000 on an adapted bungalow. | His parents have sold their house and spent £40,000 on an adapted bungalow. |
The MoD spokesman stressed however, that Mr Cooper is in line to receive more money. | The MoD spokesman stressed however, that Mr Cooper is in line to receive more money. |
"The lump sum payment is one part of the overall compensation package that will be paid to Jamie Cooper," he said. | "The lump sum payment is one part of the overall compensation package that will be paid to Jamie Cooper," he said. |
"When he leaves service he will receive a regular tax-free, index-linked, payment. | "When he leaves service he will receive a regular tax-free, index-linked, payment. |
"He will also have access to support and other financial assistance from other government departments." | "He will also have access to support and other financial assistance from other government departments." |
Previous version
1
Next version