Soldier's death 'remains mystery'

Pte Payne was due to serve in Iraq

The family of a soldier from Grimsby found dead in his army barracks have said they may never know why he died.

Pte Mark Payne, 32, was found hanged by a colleague at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on 30 March.

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded an open verdict, saying there was insufficient evidence to say if the soldier had meant to take his own life.

His sister Nicola Wright said: "Mark always said 'I would never take the coward's way out'."

Pte Payne was due to return to Iraq in May, having already completed a tour of duty.

He was a fun-loving person. He loved the Army, and he lived for the Army Nicola Wright, Pte Payne's sister

The inquest was told he was looking forward to spending time with his daughters over Easter before going to Iraq.

He was found hanged in his room by his colleague, troop commander Lt Ewan Elder, who became concerned when Pte Payne did not arrive for morning parade.

Toxicology tests showed he had dunk the equivalent of three pints of beer.

Thames Valley Police investigated the death but said there was no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Gardiner said: "Suicide cannot be presumed. It must be proved."

Commenting on his verdict, the coroner added: "It does not mean I have any nasty suspicions, it is simply that the evidence is insufficient to record any other verdict."

Mother's tribute

Mrs Wright said she had spoken to her brother regularly and said he seemed happy.

She told the inquest: "He loved the Army. It made a man of him."

She said her brother had been planning a trip to America with his brother and that he "adored" his two daughters and step-daughter, who live with their mother in Scunthorpe.

Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Wright, of Castleford Avenue, Grimsby, said she did not believe her brother had meant to kill himself.

"He was a fun-loving person. He loved the Army, and he lived for the Army."

She added: "A lot of our questions have been answered. But obviously we will never know why."

His mother Emily Payne, of Duke Street, Grimsby, said: "He did everything for me.

"He always said he would never leave me. He was a good lad, he really was. He will always be in my heart."