The case of Private Patrick Murphy has given a devastating insight into the culture of sectarianism which exists among some sections of the Royal Irish Regiment.
Not only was this Catholic soldier threatened, bullied and intimidated by other soldiers but when he complained to senior officers he was ignored.
This is the damning conclusion of an employment tribunal in Belfast, which accepted that Mr Murphy was the victim of sectarian harassment while serving with the RIR in Portadown in 1998.
The tribunal had previously heard that the 33-year-old from west Belfast, in an attempt to disguise his background, had changed his first name and said his religion was Church of Ireland when he applied to join the British army.
However, when he arrived at Portadown barracks it became clear that his real name and religion were known and the abuse began. This campaign of victimisation became so acute that Mr Murphy attempted to kill himself.
The tribunal was highly critical of the senior officers involved in this case. The effect of their inaction was to leave the soldier "feeling isolated and unsupported by his superiors".
This is an alarming failing in an organisation which is subject to equality legislation and which aims to attract recruits from "both sides of the religious divide".
Indeed, the RIR website specifically declares its philosophy to be "non sectarian, impartial, courteous and fair".
The Ministry of Defence must take firm measures to stamp out the type of insidious bigotry which was all too evident in this case.
However, the manner in which it fought this matter will not inspire confidence.
At the very least, Mr Murphy should receive substantial compensation and his tormentors should be disciplined.
The conduct of the MoD and senior officers in relation to this case raises wider questions of public concern and should be subject to further scrutiny.
However, there can be little doubt that the disturbing case of Private Murphy will seriously weaken the unionist campaign to retain the RIR in Northern Ireland.
