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Sad news, but thought I would post this.
Although this is news from November last year, the cat is out of the bag.
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http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=254066
Soldier found dead 'after dressing down'
Monday Mar 10 16:58 AEDT
An Australian soldier in East Timor was found dead from a gunshot wound inside a locked toilet cubicle, hours after a sergeant "dressed him down" for mislaying his rifle, an inquiry has heard.
Queenslander Private Ashley Baker was discovered lying in the foetal position in a pool of his own blood on November 5 last year, three days after his 19th birthday.
Caught under his arm and between his legs was a Steyr rifle, which had discharged three rounds, an Australian Defence Force (ADF) commission of inquiry was told in Darwin on Monday.
Earlier that morning, the highly-trained infantry soldier was reprimanded for leaving his rifle overnight in the recreation area at the Australian helicopter base in Dili.
He was told disciplinary action was being considered.
"Pte Baker was given a dressing down by his platoon sergeant for leaving his weapon insecure," counsel assisting the inquiry Colonel Michael Griffin said in his opening submission.
"This was the latest and most serious event in a series of recent disciplinary problems."
A toxicology report found no traces of alcohol or drugs in the soldier's blood and Col Griffin said his body was on its left side and in a foetal position "with severe head injuries".
"Pte Baker sat on the lid of the toilet seat and at some time the palm of his left hand was placed against the door which was locked from inside," Colonel Griffin said.
"The rifle muzzle was placed against his forehead and the rifle discharged."
Col Griffin said the rifle was cocked and the safety catch had not been applied, adding: "The rifle was configured to produce automatic fire."
The lawyer representing the soldier's family, Major Douglas Campbell QC, had earlier failed in a bid to close the hearing to the public, saying evidence could damage the soldier's reputation and cause distress to the Baker family.
"The overarching and dominant matter that will be investigated is likely to be that of suicide," he said.
"It is appropriate that the matter be held in private."
But the commission's president, Andrew Kirkham QC, rejected the application on the grounds of public interest.
"Given that it will be investigating any involvement of ADF personnel (in relation to the death) it is appropriate that this should be done in an open hearing," he said.
Col Griffin said closing the hearing would "only serve to fuel speculation about cover-ups and whether ADF investigation practices have a level of accountability and transparency".
In a statement, Pte Baker's family said they were proud of their son and "what he achieved in his short life and how he lived his life".
"It may be that ultimately it is not possible for us to know why Ashley died."
The inquiry into Pte Baker's death was ordered by defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.
Pte Baker, from Tannum Sands in central Queensland, was posted to the second battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) in November 2006 and was serving with the Timor-Leste battle group when he died.
His death is also being investigated by the Queensland coroner.
Although this is news from November last year, the cat is out of the bag.
-----------------------
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=254066
Soldier found dead 'after dressing down'
Monday Mar 10 16:58 AEDT
An Australian soldier in East Timor was found dead from a gunshot wound inside a locked toilet cubicle, hours after a sergeant "dressed him down" for mislaying his rifle, an inquiry has heard.
Queenslander Private Ashley Baker was discovered lying in the foetal position in a pool of his own blood on November 5 last year, three days after his 19th birthday.
Caught under his arm and between his legs was a Steyr rifle, which had discharged three rounds, an Australian Defence Force (ADF) commission of inquiry was told in Darwin on Monday.
Earlier that morning, the highly-trained infantry soldier was reprimanded for leaving his rifle overnight in the recreation area at the Australian helicopter base in Dili.
He was told disciplinary action was being considered.
"Pte Baker was given a dressing down by his platoon sergeant for leaving his weapon insecure," counsel assisting the inquiry Colonel Michael Griffin said in his opening submission.
"This was the latest and most serious event in a series of recent disciplinary problems."
A toxicology report found no traces of alcohol or drugs in the soldier's blood and Col Griffin said his body was on its left side and in a foetal position "with severe head injuries".
"Pte Baker sat on the lid of the toilet seat and at some time the palm of his left hand was placed against the door which was locked from inside," Colonel Griffin said.
"The rifle muzzle was placed against his forehead and the rifle discharged."
Col Griffin said the rifle was cocked and the safety catch had not been applied, adding: "The rifle was configured to produce automatic fire."
The lawyer representing the soldier's family, Major Douglas Campbell QC, had earlier failed in a bid to close the hearing to the public, saying evidence could damage the soldier's reputation and cause distress to the Baker family.
"The overarching and dominant matter that will be investigated is likely to be that of suicide," he said.
"It is appropriate that the matter be held in private."
But the commission's president, Andrew Kirkham QC, rejected the application on the grounds of public interest.
"Given that it will be investigating any involvement of ADF personnel (in relation to the death) it is appropriate that this should be done in an open hearing," he said.
Col Griffin said closing the hearing would "only serve to fuel speculation about cover-ups and whether ADF investigation practices have a level of accountability and transparency".
In a statement, Pte Baker's family said they were proud of their son and "what he achieved in his short life and how he lived his life".
"It may be that ultimately it is not possible for us to know why Ashley died."
The inquiry into Pte Baker's death was ordered by defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.
Pte Baker, from Tannum Sands in central Queensland, was posted to the second battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) in November 2006 and was serving with the Timor-Leste battle group when he died.
His death is also being investigated by the Queensland coroner.
