A coroner's court has heard the tragic story of a young soldier who gambled away more than £11,000 in just six months before he was found dead at his army barracks.
Private Connor Morrison, a 22-year-old from 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was discovered at the Sir John Moore Barracks in Folkestone, Kent, in March 2023. The hearing at County Hall in Maidstone was told that in the half-year leading up to his death, Private Morrison had deposited a total of £11,361 with two major online gambling firms, William Hill and Bet365.
A Pattern of Escalating Bets
Evidence presented to Assistant Coroner Katrina Hepburn revealed a disturbing pattern of escalating gambling activity. In the final month of his life, the soldier staked a staggering £4,500 across 1,371 individual bets. This frantic activity saw him placing an average of 49 bets per day, with one particularly devastating day resulting in a loss of £1,000.
Representatives from the betting companies confirmed that while Private Morrison's account had been briefly paused for a 'source of funds' check after he won £4,000, it was reactivated once he provided his army identification and a bank statement. No further safeguarding checks were triggered.
Questions Over Safeguarding
The inquest has raised urgent questions about the duty of care and gambling safeguards for young military personnel. The court heard that despite the immense sums and frequency of betting, which far exceeded his army salary, no effective interventions were made by the gambling operators to prevent potential harm.
This tragic case highlights the critical intersection of mental health, addiction, and the unique pressures faced by those in the armed forces. The coroner's investigation continues to examine the full circumstances surrounding the young soldier's death.
