A FORMER soldier yesterday claimed she was driven out of the Army after a sexual assault resulted in the courts martial of a regimental sergeant major.

Former corporal Lindsay Blair, 27, of Sunderland, has taken the Army to an employment tribunal alleging sexual discrimination and victimisation.

Ms Blair, who has waived her right to anonymity, was assaulted by RSM John Nevard while she was a clerk with the Royal Dragoon Guards in Wiltshire, in 1996.

Nevard was found guilty of indecent assault and imprisoned, before being thrown out of the Army.

Ms Blair later moved to Albemarle barracks near Newcastle.

At the tribunal in Newcastle, she said she was welcomed at first, but some soldiers turned against her when they learned she had made a complaint against a superior.

"Suddenly I was a complete outcast," she said. "My workplace went from being a friendly environment to a harsh, cold, unpleasant place. I became completely isolated in my work. I was depressed and was eventually referred to a psychiatrist and began to feel I could no longer cope."

In January last year, Ms Blair gave one year's notice to leave the Army. She was placed on sick leave and resigned from her £17,000-a-year post in January this year.

She told the tribunal: "I just couldn't take any more - it was for my own sanity. I was depressed and ill. When I joined the Army it was my dream but it became a nightmare."

Ms Blair has also complained about the lack of support or counselling following the attack.

The tribunal has reserved its judgement until a later date.

An Army spokeswoman said: "Appropriate action is always taken against any individual found guilty of any discriminatory behaviour. It would be inappropriate to comment further on the case until the employment tribunal proceedings are completed."