Ex-soldier to sue over 'bullying'

Mr Carver claims he was forced to crawl while squealing like a pig

A former soldier has vowed to continue his bid to sue the Ministry of Defence over allegations that being bullied as a recruit ended his army career.

Frank Carver, from Scunthorpe, joined the army in the 1960s as an apprentice.

Last year Mr Carver, who suffers from bi-polar disorder, mental illness and depression, won a High Court battle for compensation over the allegations.

The MoD has launched an appeal against the earlier decision but Mr Carver says he is determined to win.

He says joining the army was a "dream" for him as he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both received decorations for bravery.

But he claims being bullied put an end to his career.

I want justice and I'm not going to stop until I get it. Frank Carver

He said: "They made me crawl up and down the billet.

"I even got helped over the finish line by a cricket bat up the backside."

Mr Carver alleges the bullying grew worse: "The underhanded way in which the MoD got rid of me broke me to bits.

Renewed determination

"I was looking at a dream and I actually got into the promotion list, but that was blown apart."

With the MoD's appeal due to be heard next year, Mr Carver says he has got renewed determination to fight on.

He told BBC News: "I want justice and I'm not going to stop until I get it.

"The MoD can't get give me a sufficient reason why I should step down and accept it."

A spokesman from the MoD said they were unable to comment on Mr Carver's claim for compensation outside of a tribunal, but added that all alleged incidents of bullying were thoroughly investigated.