Former Army Sergeant Sues Ministry of Defence for Alleged Bullying

Jonathan Biney, a former sergeant in the Royal Logistic Corps, is suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for £660,000, claiming he was subjected to a campaign of bullying by a quartermaster during his service. Biney, who gained recognition as Military Communicator of the Year in 2020 for his social media efforts promoting army life, alleges that he faced daily verbal abuse, including being called a "c**t," which he describes as humiliating and degrading. The alleged bullying occurred while he was deployed with the British Army Training Unit in Kenya from 2020 to 2022, where he was responsible for accounts management.

The Independent

Biney's barrister, David White, asserts that the quartermaster treated Biney less favorably than his peers, subjecting him to a hostile work environment. The mistreatment reportedly escalated after Biney identified discrepancies in accounting related to missing equipment, leading the quartermaster to accuse him of "cooking the books." The barrister claims that the quartermaster threatened physical violence, swore at Biney daily, and forced him to march into his office in a manner not required of other sergeants, which was described as dehumanizing.

The Independent

As a result of the alleged bullying, Biney claims to have developed significant psychiatric symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. He reports that his mental health issues have affected his work and personal life, necessitating therapy and medication. Biney argues that the MoD is responsible for fostering a culture that allowed such harassment to occur.

The Independent

The MoD denies Biney's allegations, asserting that the quartermaster's conduct did not constitute bullying. MoD barrister Dominic Ruck Keene stated that while it is acknowledged that Biney was referred to as "the c**t" on one occasion, it is denied that he was subjected to daily verbal abuse. The MoD contends that any requirement for Biney to march into his superior's office was part of normal military protocol and not indicative of bullying. Furthermore, the MoD claims that previous issues with equipment loss were resolved and not related to Biney's actions.

The Independent

The case has recently been heard in court, where discussions focused on the legal costs associated with the upcoming trial. A full trial is anticipated unless a settlement is reached between the parties involved. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace culture and the treatment of service members within the military.

The Independent

• “It was designed to be dehumanising and degrading to Mr Biney.” — David White, Barrister

The Independent

• “It is denied that [the quartermaster] repeatedly swore at the claimant in an offensive and/or aggressive manner, as opposed to swearing as a means of emphasis.” — Dominic Ruck Keene, MoD Barrister

The Independent

• “His sleep has been affected, and he has required therapy and psychiatric medication.” — David White, Barrister

The Independent