Soldier 'prone to being bullied'

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A soldier who was found hanged at Catterick Garrison was "prone to being emotionally bullied", a senior army officer has told an inquest.

The body of L/Cpl Derek McGregor, from Blackpool in Lancashire, was found at the garrison in July 2003.

Army doctor Lt Col Simon Bloodworth told the inquest the 21-year-old took criticism and banter to heart.

During the inquest the coroner Geoff Fell read a note from L/Cpl McGregor describing his personal fears.

The inquest, sitting at Harrogate Magistrates' Court, heard Lt Col Bloodworth describe how the soldier had "set himself unrealistic goals and took friendly insults too personally".

Lt Col Bloodworth said he had come to see him while serving in Omagh, Northern Ireland in January 2003.

I won't miss this world and I'm sure it will not miss me Note from L/Cpl Derek McGregor

In a statement the doctor said Mr McGregor was having emotional problems.

He was referred to a community psychiatric nurse but was found not to be "medically or psychiatrically unwell".

The doctor did conclude that he had a personality which could make him react to situations in an "extreme manner".

"I would say he was more than normally prone to being emotionally bullied", the Lt Col said.

A note from the soldier read out to the inquest revealed he thought of himself as a failure.

Mr Fell said the note was headed "Last Words" and signed by L/Cpl McGregor.

Part of the note said: "I don't have any friends and people laugh at me. I've only had one love and I wasn't good enough for her."

It continued: "I was in hospital a little while ago and told them I can't sleep and I'm having nightmares and having hallucinations - but they said I was lying and I just hope they believe me now and help other people like me."

The note went on to say: "I won't miss this world and I'm sure it will not miss me.

"I just hope there is something better for me after this and I will be happy."

The inquest was told L/Cpl McGregor, a combat medical technician with 3 close Support Medical Regiment, died from asphyxia due to hanging. He had a blood alcohol level two-and-a-half times the legal drink-driving limit.

The hearing continues.