Former soldier, 33, deafened by explosion during a training exercise, wins ... trends now

A former British soldier who was left with hearing loss from an explosion during a training exercise has won a £350,000 pay-out from the Ministry of Defence.

Infantryman Vance Bacon-Sharratt, 33, was forced to leave the Mercian Regiment because of his injury.

Medical negligence lawyers have helped the soldier from Nottinghamshire to successfully sue the Ministry of Defence.

He said: 'I have gone through many ups and downs and to this day I still struggle to come to terms with what's happened.

'Despite everything, I'm grateful for the support I've had and wanted to share my story to make others aware of the help available.'

The father-of-two was injured while attending a firepower demonstration (FPD) in October 2016.

The demonstrations are opportunities for personnel to practice scenarios, use equipment and kit.

Mr Bacon-Sharratt enlisted in the army in November 2008 but his career ended in March 2018 after the injury in October 2016.

The explosion left him with hearing loss, pain and tinnitus.

Lawyers say the pay-out will allow him to access support and the therapies needed after the MoD denied liability.

'When the explosion happened at the FPD, I felt the effects instantly.

'I couldn't hear properly, but at the same time there was a ringing in my ears.

'I ended up being diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus, which explained the discomfort I was experiencing.

'It was extremely difficult to adapt my life around my diagnosis, which is why I felt like I had no option but to leave The Army, even though it was a career I'd always dreamed of.'

He added: 'I'm also determined to move on with my life and not let my hearing loss stop me from living it to the full.'

Vance is now a driving instructor and has a partner, Jemma, and two daughters. 

Chelsea Towner, the specialist military injury lawyer at Irwin

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