Teen soldier could have refused exercise that claimed his life (From The Northern Echo)

Teen soldier could have refused exercise that claimed his life

7:37pm Thursday 20th November 2008 in

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AN Army officer has told an inquest that a teenage soldier "could have refused" to take part in the training exercise that claimed his life.

Acting Sergeant Jason Dudley was giving evidence yesterday at Harrogate Coroner's Court into the death of Private Andrew Borkertas, 17.

The teenager had been taking part in an eight-mile trek at Catterick Garrison in June 2007, as part of a basic combat fitness test.

The route took the platoon over Risedale Beck, which is normally safe, but which was in full spate following a period of unusually heavy rain.

Pte Borkertas, described as "not as fit" as some of the other recruits, was one of several men washed off their feet.

His body was recovered downstream several hours later.

Sgt Dudley, who was in charge of the exercise, said he judged the stream to be safe after crossing it ahead of his platoon.

"Two other platoons had gone across before us," he said. "Standard procedure is that if they think there's a problem, they would have telephoned back to let us know."

When asked by coroner Geoffrey Fell if the Army is an authoritarian organisation where nobody answers back, Sergeant Dudley said: "No, people answer back all the time.

"If he really hadn't wanted to cross he could have refused, and we would have negotiated."

The inquest is due to conclude on Monday.