[Marcus Marulus]

Injured soldier gets 'insulting' £57,000

By Aislinn Simpson

Last Updated: 2:25am GMT 02/11/2007

The family of the youngest British soldier to be injured in Iraq has angrily denounced his compensation payout of £57,000 as a "complete insult".

Relatives of Rifleman Jamie Cooper, who has been left in constant agony by a shrapnel blast, say the award was handed down by "faceless bureaucrats" who care little about his future.


He is the latest in a series of injured servicemen whose treatment by the Government has sparked outrage among politicians, support groups and military families. The cases have led to the establishment of a private fund, Help for Heroes.

Aged just 18, Rifleman Cooper became the youngest British soldier to be injured in Iraq when he was hit by shrapnel in Basra last November, during his first tour with the Green Jackets.

Suffering from extensive nerve damage to his leg, a broken pelvis and a shattered right hand, his heart stopped twice as medics fought to save him. He later developed the superbug MRSA after a series of operations in the UK.

This week, after a seven-month wait, he was told by the Ministry of Defence that his injuries are worth a tax-free lump sum of £57,000 compensation as well as a monthly income based on his starter's salary of £900 once he is discharged. His father Phillip, 49, said: "Jamie was just stunned and kept saying: 'It that it? Is that all I mean to them?'"

The MoD said: "The lump sum payment is one part of the overall compensation package that will be paid to Jamie Cooper. When he leaves service, he will receive a regular tax-free, index-linked payment. He will also have access to support and financial assistance from other Government departments."

The family plans to appeal against the compensation.

[source]