A paratrooper has been given 11 months detention for being absent without leave for nearly two years.

At a court martial hearing in Colchester, Private Stephen Hunt, of 3 Para, admitted being AWOL for 685 days

Capt Ciaran Gould, prosecuting, said Hunt, 25, from Leicester, was not at a parade on July 6, 2000.

He handed himself in to police at Leicester on June 1, 2002, she said.

The court heard Hunt, who joined the Army in 1998, had served six months in Northern Ireland from December 1999.

He then failed to return for duty following leave.

Captain Rob Wild, of 3 Para was called as a witness for a character reference.

Capt Wild said the effect of Hunt going absent after a tour was less than had it been on or before a tour.

Capt Wild said Hunt wanted to face up to his mistake and soldier on.

Hunt had worked hard and though he lacked confidence, he was a competent machine gunner, Capt Wild said.

Hunt wanted to continue in the Army but not in the Parachute Regiment, the court heard.

Paul Tawn, mitigating, said Hunt was largely brought up by his mother.

He said the lack of a father figure may have influenced the way he dealt with the AWOL, by not speaking to someone.

Mr Tawn said the thought of not returning after leave became more definite for Hunt because while in Northern Ireland, Hunt's relationship with his girlfriend ended.

His girlfriend told him she was pregnant but miscarried.

Hunt bottled it up and did not speak to anyone, Mr Tawn said.

Michael Elsom, judge advocate, said Hunt has spent more time away from the Army than he had in it.

He said: "We have decided not to discharge you from the Army.

"When you emerge from the period of detention you will have the opportunity to prove that you are a committed soldier."

Published Monday October 14, 2002

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