A soldier who alleged his jaw was broken by a corporal at Europe's biggest Army base has been charged with going absent without leave.

Private Craig Coates was arrested by Royal Military Police officers after he failed to return to Catterick Garrison following a period of sick leave when he was ill with anxiety and depression.

His parents told The Northern Echo the 21-year-old private, assigned to the Dorset and Devon Regiment, was too scared to return to the base after he made an allegation of bullying.

They said Pte Coates was taken to hospital and needed two plates in his jaw after he was allegedly punched in the face as he lay in bed.

The family reported the incident to the Royal Military Police and they are currently investigating and have interviewed the soldier accused of the attack.

Last night Pte Coates's father, Les, 41, said: "Craig is back at Catterick and has been charged with going AWOL.

"After his period of sick leave he really did not want to go back.

"He has lodged an appeal and we should hear within 14 days from the Army about the situation.

"Craig is coping as well as can be expected."

Mr Coates said the RMP had informed the family they has visited a hospital on Teesside to retrieve his son's medical records and X-ray results.

He said the family had instructed Forces Law solicitor Justin Hugheston-Roberts to fight the charge at a court martial.

If found guilty Pte Coates could face a maximum two-year sentence at the army prison in Colchester.

Justin Hugheston-Roberts confirmed Pte Coates had been charged with the offence and would be fighting the charge.

A spokeswoman for Catterick said the matter was still under investigation and the accused soldier had been questioned about the alleged attack.

She confirmed the soldier had been absent without leave.

The family said they were frustrated with the lack of progress in investigating the assault which took place in the summer and have reported the matter to Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram's office.