A soldier found hanged in a barracks had been bullied by other recruits in the months before his death, an inquest has heard.

Stuart Henderson, 18, who served with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, was found dead at Episkopi barracks, in Cyprus, on September 24 last year.

An inquest was told yesterday that the teenager suffered from dyslexia and dyspraxia, leaving him with learning difficulties, reading problems and an inability to grasp physical activities quickly.

His father, John, told the hearing that he was surprised to learn his son had met the entry requirements for service in the Army.

The soldier, from Parkhead, Glasgow, was also having financial problems.

The inquest was told that his nose was broken twice during his time at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

Mr Henderson said his son, who started his basic training at Catterick in September 2004, had struggled to adapt to aspects of his new life.

He found drills particularly difficult and got into trouble for not ironing his uniform, which his father said were symptoms of his condition.

He said his son was punished for his poor hygiene and lack of co-ordination.

"He said a soldier had thrown water over him and said he was going to stab him and kill him," said Mr Henderson.

"There was another incident. He was going to the toilet and another boy told him to get out. Stuart said 'no' and the boy turned around and hit him in the face and broke his nose."

It was claimed the teenager had his nose broken a second time when he was hit with a magazine from a gun.

His father said it was not clear whether it was an accident.

Asked by the family's lawyer, Laura Davidson, if any action was taken against the men, Mr Henderson said: "Nothing ever came out of Catterick. Neither boy was ever charged or put on any kind of punishment."

He told the jury that in April last year, his son was sent to Cyprus, despite scoring the lowest grade during his basic training.

He went absent without leave in July and sent a text message to his girlfriend saying: "I'm going to kill myself".

The court also heard that the soldier was having financial problems and was regularly withdrawing £50 a day from his bank account.

The hearing is expected to examine whether he owed money to loan sharks.

The inquest continues today.