Army trainers accused of bullying

Three training instructors have appeared at a military court accused of bullying and ill-treating recruits at a North Yorkshire Army base.

The court martial heard three soldiers had been punched and kicked at the Catterick Garrison and were subjected to "bullying" behaviour.

The instructors deny 10 charges between them covering a period between October 2007 and January 2008.

They face charges brought under the Army Act 1955.

Cpl Christopher Jakeman and ex-Cpl Stuart Pagett, of the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, are accused of mistreating the soldiers by assaulting them.

Colour Sgt Michael Hetherington of the 1st Battalion, The Rifles, is accused of neglecting to perform a formal duty by not reporting the incidents.

Maj William Peters, prosecuting, told the court the incidents amounted to "low level physical assaults consistent with a degree of bullying".

The trial, at the Catterick Garrison, continues.