Single mother soldier claims £1.1m in childcare payout

A single mother whose childcare tribunal win has dealt the Army a blow is demanding a total of £1.1 million.

Lawyers for the Ministry of Defence told Central London Employment Tribunal today that former lance corporal Tilern DeBique, 28 is claiming £473,535 for loss of earnings and £18,000 for hurt feelings.

Miss DeBique quit her job as a systems engineer and technician in the 10 Signal Regiment in 2008 after being disciplined for failing to appear on parade because of childcare difficulties for daughter Tahlia, now four.

MoD barrister Keith Morton branded her claim "perverse" and said it was "unreasonable" to have turned down a posting that offered childcare while applying for lucrative civilian jobs in Afghanistan.

The tribunal is due to announce its award this week.