'My husband had so much to live for - but they missed the chance to help him before he died'

The family of a soldier who took his own life said they believe his death "could have been prevented" as an inquest found there were missed opportunities to help him.

Nicholas "Nicki" Hart, 33, who served with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was found dead at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire in February 2022. The Welsh father-of-three, hailing from Rhondda Valley, had experienced mental health challenges and worries about his alcohol consumption had been raised by his relatives.

The Northallerton inquest, spanning two weeks, led Assistant Coroner Jonathan Leach to acknowledge certain overlooked opportunities to extend aid to Highlander Hart, - such as previous suicide bids not being clearly evident in his medical history - although these omissions were not seen as direct factors in his death. The official verdict given was one of suicide.

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Sara Hart, Highlander Hart's heartbroken wife, 38, said the inquest proceedings had "been nothing short of traumatic". In a heartfelt tribute provided by Irwin Mitchell solicitors, Mrs Hart shared: "It's almost impossible to describe how I felt when I was told Nicki had died. There's not a day goes by when I don't think about him.

"He had so much to live for and I'll always struggle to accept that he's no longer here with me watching our children grow up.

"I'd give anything to bring Nicki back, but I know that can't happen. While hearing everything at the inquest has been nothing short of traumatic, some missed opportunities have been identified. We as a family remain of the opinion that had he received earlier treatment and help his death could have been prevented."

Jamie Hart-Dobbs, 39, Highlander Hart's sister, said: "Nicki was the best brother and I miss him every single day.

"It was bad enough to find out he was having problems with his mental health, but then to hear he had gone completely floored me. I couldn't take it in and still struggle more than two years on.

"All Sara and I can do now is hope that something is put in place to ensure soldiers get the help and support they need. At the very least, it'll help us honour Nicki's memory."

The inquest heard Highlander Hart turned to heavy drinking after his friend Ryan Mackenzie's death at the garrison the previous August. David Twiname, a former soldier, testified at the inquest about the role alcohol played as a "coping mechanism" for Highlander Hart, who purchased beer and wine to drink in his accommodation.

Mr Twiname recounted his decision to stay close to Highlander Hart, concerned for his friend's mental well-being. Twiname also shared a troubling account of a diagram Highlander Hart had presented to him, illustrating his suicidal intent and the perceived obstacles namely his friends which he thought he needed to overcome to achieve this.

The Service inquiry report revealed that there were "missed opportunities" in the care provided to him prior to his death.

He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following a 2012 tour of Afghanistan, according to details shared at the inquest. His service record included a second tour of Afghanistan in 2020.

After an earlier suicide attempt in October 2021, Highlander Hart sent a video to his family members, the coroner heard. Two days before he passed away, he had seen mental health specialists, having been referred to them for support.

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