'Shy' rookie soldier is found hanged at home

A rookie soldier in the Army for just seven weeks has been found hanged in his family's garage while on leave.

Michael Robinson, 18, was on a break from his tough basic training at the Pirbright base in Surrey before joining the Royal Artillery.

He was due to specialise as a radio operator in January following his three-month course at the Army Training Regiment, where all recruits learn infantry skills. His death has shocked family and friends who believed he was enjoying life in the military, despite being regarded as 'shy'. Tutors called him a 'likeable recruit'.

Michael, of Ribbleton, Lancs, has been named following his death last week. An Army spokesman said he will be buried with full military honours.

His mother Michelle and her partner Jimmy Humphries were said by a relative to be too upset to talk about the death of the football-mad teenager.

Pirbright's Captain Kevin Pointer said: 'Recruit Robinson was a little shy in his first two weeks but took on board advice and began coming out of his shell.'

Michael leaves a sister Tanya, brother Joshua and niece Ebony. A family statement said: 'Michael was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He had a gentle nature and would also think of others. We will always remember his smiles.'