Inquiry into soldier's drugs claims

The private's claims are being investigated

The Army has launched an investigation into a soldier's allegations of drug taking and drinking in the Scots Guards.

Michael McManus, 19, who has gone absent without leave (awol), said soldiers have been flouting regulations on substance abuse and he warned that this could have disastrous consequences in trouble spots.

The Army said an inquiry has been ordered into the claims but stressed that the private should return to his regiment and make a statement.

Private McManus went absent without leave from the regiment's Wellington Barracks in London.

I tried to hang myself with a belt but didn't go through with it. I just kept going awol and then coming back to face the music

Private McManus

The soldier, who joined the Army three years ago, told the Daily Record newspaper that he had repeatedly tried to kill himself after becoming disillusioned with his career.

He said: "I know for a fact that Scots Guards in Northern Ireland take speed, ecstasy and cocaine.

"It is only a matter of time before something happens. If they are at Drumcree and there is some kind of riot, I don't know what could happen."

The soldier said he "would rather die" than return to the Army and was currently in hiding with his 21-year-old fiancee Victoria Simpson, an Army clerk.

Private McManus said: "I got to the stage I just couldn't take it any more.

"I tried to hang myself with a belt but didn't go through with it. I just kept going awol and then coming back to face the music."

A spokeswoman for the Army said the allegations were now under investigation and urged the soldier to return to his barracks.

She said: "We have launched an investigation into these serious claims.

"We also want to ask this soldier to return as soon as possible and make an official statement to the Army."