Ex-Royal Marine commando suing MoD for £1.8million after being ‘deafened by ‘useless earplugs’
AN ex-Royal Marine commando is suing the MoD for £1.8million, claiming he was deafened by useless earplugs.
James Barry, 32, said they often fell out leaving him prone to battlefield noises which gave him tinnitus.
He served for four years and was part of crack unit 45 Commando.
But his lawyers told the High Court in London his perfect hearing was damaged in 2014 by “huge noise levels” during a battle exercise in the US.
He was medically discharged in 2016.
Mr Barry, who now works in the motor trade, says his hearing loss cut short his military career, which he had hoped would be an “18-year engagement”.
Barrister, George McDonald, said in a recent hearing at London’s High Court: “It’s a loss of a chance claim.
“He was in the Royal Marines for four years and he says that, but for the injury, he would have completed his 18-year engagement and become a marine medic.”
Mr Barry, of Nottingham, is among 3,000 veterans waiting to bring noise loss claims. A trial will be held later.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk