Dad-Of-Three Suffered From Mental Health Issues

Dad-of-two Nicki Hart was found dead in his Army barracks at Catterick Garrison in February 2022, aged 33.

Following his death, Nicki’s widow Sara and sister Jamie Hart-Dobbs instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support them through an inquest to secure answers.

The inquest, which began on 4 November, has now concluded.  Sara, 38, Jamie, 39, and their legal team have issued the following statements.

Ayse Ince is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Sara and Jamie.

Expert Opinion

“It’s been an incredibly distressing time for Sara and Jamie who continue to struggle with losing Nicki so suddenly and in such tragic circumstances.

“Grieving has been all the harder because of the number of questions and concerns that they have around what happened to Nicki.

“It has been very difficult for Sara and Jamie to hear again what Nicki went through at the inquest. Sadly, along with the Service Inquiry Report, the Inquest has identified some missed opportunities in the care provided to Nicki.

“Nicki had a very significant history of mental health problems including numerous suicide attempts and this was recognised far too late. When Nicki made the difficult decision to reach out for help he did not receive it. Nicki suffered with depression and thoughts of suicide for several months before his death during which time he was under the care of the Army and their medical services.

“People affected by mental health are some of the most vulnerable and should be cared for at the highest standards.

“Sara and Jamie are understandably very tired following the Inquest and need some time to process the evidence that they have heard. We’ll continue to support them at this difficult time.”
Ayse Ince

Sara said: “It’s almost impossible to describe how I felt when I was told Nicki had died. There’s not a day goes by when I don’t think about him.

“He had so much to live for and I’ll always struggle to accept that he’s no longer here with me watching our children grow up.

“I’d give anything to bring Nicki back, but I know that can’t happen.  While hearing everything at the inquest has been nothing short of traumatic, some missed opportunities have been identified We as a family remain of the opinion that had he received earlier treatment and help his death could have been prevented.”

Jamie said: “Nicki was the best brother and I miss him every single day. 

It was bad enough to find out he was having problems with his mental health, but then to hear he had gone completely floored me.  I couldn’t take it in and still struggle more than two years on.

“All Sara and I can do now is hope that something is put in place to ensure soldiers get the help and support they need.  At the very least, it’ll help us honour Nicki’s memory.”

Find out more on the Service Inquiry Report

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