Mail Online

Mum’s anger at Sandhurst chiefs over cadet suicide

By Defence Editor

THE grieving mother of an officer cadet found hanged at Sandhurst has accused Army chiefs of covering up the circumstances of her death.

Louise Townsend revealed the family’s ‘fight for justice’ following the death of Officer Cadet Olivia Perks, 21, who killed herself after senior officers failed to provide adequate welfare support.

At the end of a three-week inquest, a coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide and criticised ‘missed opportunities’ by officers at the worldfamous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) to intervene as Ms Perks spiralled out of control.

In the months after her death, top brass tried to claim the February 2019 tragedy could not have been stopped. They also insisted RMAS staff conducted themselves appropriately towards Ms Perks. But Ms Townsend hired investigators, who found that an older male instructor, Staff Sergeant Mark Easingwood, had a physical relationship with Ms Perks, in breach of strict rules.

Sergeant Easingwood was eventually sacked by the Army. So too was Colour Sergeant Lee Griffith, who spent a night with Ms Perks – another breach of Sandhurst rules.

Following the inquest yesterday, RMAS commandant Major General Zac Stenning acknowledged the ‘systemic and individual failings which led to the tragic death’. Ms Townsend, from Kingswinford, West Midlands, said: ‘We have been fighting for the truth of what really happened... The story we were presented with at the start of this process by the Ministry of Defence was very different to the conclusion reached by the coroner.’

■ For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit their website at samaritans.org

Fighting Cancel Culture

en-gb

2023-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/282016151700846

dmg media (UK)