Mother criticises MoD at inquest over care of ‘suicide risk’ son

Alex Tostevin kept a cricket bat next to his bed after return from Afghanistan

The family of a British special forces corporal believed to have taken his own life after suffering years of mental health issues has branded the care he received as casual and incompetent".

The mother of Alex Tostevin, 28, a member of the Special Boat Service (SBS), told his inquest that his commanding officers and medics knew he was a suicide risk and needed more help.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.