Ex-soldier branded a ‘Walter Mitty’ over false claims he survived bomb blast is refused bail after assault charges

AN ex-soldier branded a “Walter Mitty” over lies he was “attacked” by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan has been refused access to live with his partner – due to concerns for her “safety”.

Former Army clerk Danny Hutchison falsely claimed he was blown up by a booby-trap bomb when his vehicle was destroyed by a “12-year-old suicide bomber carrying a wheelbarrow” to “make himself more of a catch to women”.

Now, Hutchison is alleged to have assaulted and injured his 45-year-old partner Navada Mungall when she demanded the truth about his military exploits.

Hutchison is then said to have kicked her in the body while grabbing her by the neck with his bare hands, applying pressure so that she had difficulty breathing.

At a preliminary hearing at Falkirk Sherriff Court, defence Billy Hendry asked for the bail condition keeping Hutchison and Navada apart to be lifted.

Hendry revealed that Navada had written a letter to the court asking for Hutchison to be allowed back home.

But prosecutor Catherine Knowles opposed the lift, saying that the Crown had not carried out their own investigations into whether it was still needed.

While, Sheriff Derek Livingstone also rejected the application: “The charges involve striking her head against a wall and applying pressure to her neck – quite serious charges. I’m not satisfied there’s been a change in circumstances since the bail conditions were put in place, or that there’s a justification.

“I appreciate what’s been said, and what the complainer herself says about it, but I have to take into account her personal safety.”

Hutchison was initially exposed online as a “bloater” – a person who embellished their service history – by a group of former military personnel.

The “Walter Mitty Hunters Club” exposed the Adjutant General’s Corps soldier, who was employed to provide clerical support, through their Facebook page.

He later came clean in an open letter which read: “I want to stand here, cap in hand, and officially apologise whole-heartedly for the lies I have told.”

Four soldiers died in incidents similar to those in Hutchinson’s claims which saw them killed by a teen suicide bomber who carried the explosives in a wheelbarrow.

But he doesn’t appear on any official record as a casualty of the conflict.

Hutchison had been due to compete in the Invictus Games for wounded service personnel later this year and was pictured with creator Prince Harry – but withdrew on “health grounds”.

He faces trial on June 21st.