A SOLDIER who was attacked and seriously injured by three comrades for wearing white trainers in a mess hall is likely to be discharged from the Army on medical grounds.

Sergeant David Bell, 34, from Seaham, County Durham, was attacked when he entered the Warrant Officers’ Mess at the end of a shift in Cyprus on February 18.

His attackers, who had been drinking all day, dragged him into the toilets as other senior NCOs did nothing to intervene.

The father-of-three, who has nearly 18 years military experience, including tours of Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, suffered a broken jaw and had to have plates inserted in his face.

Sgt Bell cannot discuss the case, as he is still in the Army, but his stepfather Arthur Brunning, said: “It was over a pair of trainers and he had obviously forgotten. He has been in the Army long enough to know the dress code.

“It snowballed from there, but to think he served in all those dangerous places without a scratch and his own lads kick the crap out of him is a disgrace.”

Sgt Bell, of 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was attacked by three senior NCOs who were all known to him.

He has been diagnosed as suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, sees a psychiatrist, and is due before a medical board next month to determine his future in the forces.

He still has pains in his jaw, which was badly damaged in the attack, and requires ongoing dental work.

Mr Brunning said: “His wife and mother are heartbroken.

It is a big blow to them.

“He is struggling to come to terms with what happened, especially because he had known one of the lads for a long time.

That has affected him more than anything else. But now he just wants justice.”

Army sources said the careers of those responsible had been severely tarnished by the incident and discharges could follow disciplinary procedures, which are now underway.

An MOD Spokesman said “The Army has not concluded its considerations with regards to disciplinary action in relation to this case.

“All those who are found to fall short of the Army’s high standards or who are found to have committed an offence under the Armed Forces Act are dealt with administratively, up to and including discharge, or through the discipline process, as appropriate.”