Soldier sues MOD for £13 million after fall whilst intoxicated

Lucca Brunozzi, a former soldier in the Rifles regiment, is suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for £13 million, claiming brain damage after falling from a balcony.

The incident occurred in March 2019 at Ward Barracks near Bulford. Brunozzi's barrister, Stuart McCracken, argued that the Army's drinking culture was to blame for the incident, stating that it encouraged alcohol consumption and socializing among servicemen, leading to acts of aggression or over-exuberance.

According to court documents, the incident took place after Brunozzi returned to his accommodation following a night out. He allegedly became the target of hostility from a fellow rifleman who acted aggressively towards him. Brunozzi was near the balustrade on the landing area when he felt a strong push, causing him to fall and sustain serious injuries.

Brunozzi claims that his colleagues failed to call an ambulance and instead brought him back to his room, where he woke up undressed and in his own bed the next morning. His lawyers argue that the Army should have provided higher guard rails in the barracks and hold it liable for the alleged drunkenly aggressive conduct of the other soldier.

Andrew Ward, the defense barrister, denied the Army's encouragement or condoning of excessive alcohol consumption or fighting between junior ranks. He pointed out that disorderly conduct was a military offense and stated that the balustrade was of the correct height and reasonably safe.

The Ministry of Defence stated in its written evidence that it did not foster a culture of drunken fighting or aggression. The case has reached the High Court, and the judge, Master Lisa Sullivan, identified the key trial issues as a breach of duty by the MoD and determining the exact cause of the accident. The date for the full trial has not been set yet.