"In Franco's day, you'd already be dead, you commie poofter."

A corporal who was denied permission to take the regulation fifteen-day leave of absence to marry his transsexual sweetheart was told by his commanding officer, a Spanish Navy captain: "In Franco's day, you'd already be dead, you commie poofter."

The corporal, who is seeking political support for his request for a transfer away from the El Ferrol navy base, was subsequently demoted and subjected to continual bullying.

He is currently off work suffering from depression and is receiving psychological counselling.