Former Defence Forces Officer Wrote He Did Not Wish to Become ‘Scapegoat’ After Apprentice’s Suicide

A tribunal heard allegations that a former Defence Forces officer subjected apprentices to mistreatment, including giving one a haircut without consent and forcing another to ingest a cigarette butt. The proceedings are examining the circumstances surrounding the suicide of an apprentice.

In a written statement presented at the tribunal, the officer reportedly expressed a desire not to be made a "scapegoat" in connection with the apprentice's death. This statement suggests the officer may have been anticipating blame or seeking to distance himself from responsibility.

The tribunal's focus is on understanding the full context of the apprentice's death, including the alleged actions of the officer and the overall environment within the Defence Forces. The testimonies and evidence presented aim to shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.

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did not wish to become ‘scapegoat’