I felt totally humiliated

Andrew Neilson

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is being sued for personal injuries and consequential loss, denies his claims.

Mr Neilson told the High Court in Newcastle that the intimidating incidents led to a mental collapse and prompted his admission to an Army hospital's psychiatric unit.

He lasted just months in the Army and was medically discharged in 1991.

He first took legal advice in 1992.

The former hod-carrier and hotel porter, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, told High Court judge Mr Justice Bennett that an army brigadier branded him a "misfit" when he was referred for medical help after complaining of being unable to cope.

Andrew Neilson emerges from the court hearing

He also claims that Staff Sergeant Philip Lythe once ordered him to imitate actor Jack Nicholson and make cuckoo noises.

Staff Sergeant Lythe told court that none of the alleged events took place and he denied ever bullying or intimidating any recruits.

The court has heard that it is agreed Mr Neilson suffers from schizo-affective disorder, a serious psychotic condition, but the MoD contests it was brought on by his time in the Army.

Mr Neilson told court: "In the Naafi office I was told to get down on my hands and knees, bark like a dog and wiggle my bum.

"Because I was in the Army it was an order so I did it but I felt totally humiliated."

He has also claimed he received extra gruelling exercises which forced him to collapse.

Heard voices

While hospitalised, Mr Neilson claims he began hearing voices in his head and started to believe he was the devil.

He later absconded wearing Army issue clothing and returned to Bishop Auckland.

His barrister, Alan Booth, told court: "By the time he was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich he was significantly mentally ill.

"Two psychiatrists have both agreed he now has a significant mental illness that will be permanent."

Richard Booth, for the MoD, said Mr Neilson was lying about the alleged incidents.

He said: "From the beginning you had difficulties and knew that the Army was not for you.

"During the course of your illness you have felt paranoid and have said many things that were not true."

The court hearing was adjourned until Wednesday.