THE father of a seventh soldier found hanged at a North Yorkshire barracks said last night his death could have been avoided.

Lance Corporal Derek McGregor, 21, of the 3 Close Support Squadron, was found dead at Catterick Garrison on July 7. He had been at the base for only three weeks.

He left a note and letter to a friend telling of abuse and his family claim he was branded a liar by Army officials.

His father, Joe McGregor, said that if the Army had answered calls made by other families for a public inquiry into the base, his son may still be alive.

He said last night: "I think it could have been avoided. The Army has a lot to answer for. We feel very let down by the Army and they have let Derek down.

"I have a lot of questions that need answering. I want to see what they have to say about what has happened."

Mr McGregor, from Blackpool, said he had not been given any details about an assault involving his son a week before his death outside the Catterick barracks.

He only realised that there had been an incident when he viewed his body and saw facial bruising and cuts.

Mr McGregor was told later that he had been involved in an incident outside a bus stop which was being investigated by North Yorkshire police.

A police spokesman said they were unable to release details about the incident because of the upcoming inquest into the soldier's death. Detectives have investigated and will report to coroner George Fell.

Catterick families, lawyers and MPs are to meet in the North-East in September to discuss the campaign for a public inquiry, which has been backed by The Northern Echo.