Ex-soldier was told 'go back to Belize' - tribunal hears

Marlon Clancy, 28, who lives in Malpas, Newport, made the claim at a Cardiff employment tribunal saying he suffered racial discrimination while based in Chepstow and Colchester.

Belize-born Mr Clancy joined the army in 1999 as a private, serving as a chef in the 10th Transport Regiment and 16 Close Support Medical Regiment in Colchester, before joining 2nd Yorkshire Battalion at Beachley Barracks, Chepstow.

He claims he was bullied by colleagues in the kitchen and overlooked for courses which could lead to promotion.

He was discharged for medical reasons in June 2007.

The tribunal heard Mr Clancy saw a military doctor, Lt Col Andrew Baker, in October 2006 as he was unhappy.

Lt Col Baker told the tribunal Mr Clancy was unhappy because he had been unable to attend the funeral of his father who died two years earlier and was about to be investigated by Military Police over allegations he threatened to stab a cleaner.

Lt Col Baker said Mr Clancy told him he went to the Severn Bridge with the intention of tying a tow-rope round his neck and jumping, but changed his mind because of his fear of heights.

Lt Col Baker told the tribunal heard that Mr Clancy said the bullying got worse when he converted to Islam and came out as a homosexual.

He said Mr Clancy told him he occasionally heard voices in his head arguing, which got worse when he was tired.

Lt Col Baker denied calling Mr Clancy an administrative burden or telling him to go back to Belize.

He said he suggested returning to his home country once he had a trade, as Mr Clancy had outlined this as his plans for the future.

“I was shocked to hear Private Clancy made a complaint against me, I find any form of racism abhorrent," he said.

He also told the tribunal he gave his phone number to Mr Clancy in case he felt suicidal, saying he left the session “seemingly happy.”

Proceeding.