Imprisoned US soldier Bradley Manning’s mother has pleaded with the Foreign Secretary for British consular staff to visit him because of concerns about his physical and mental health.

Susan Manning, from Haverfordwest, wrote to William Hague stating that she had visited Quantico military prison in Virginia in February.

Twenty-three-year-old Bradley, who has been in custody since last May accused of leaking military information and ‘aiding the enemy’, attended Tasker Milward school for a number of years.

He does not have a British passport but is British by descent.

Ms Manning wrote: “I was very distressed by seeing Bradley. Being in prison, and being held in the conditions which he is, is having a damaging effect on him physically and mentally.

“I am worried that his condition is getting worse. I would like someone to visit hm who can check on his conditions.”

She also requested help for herself if she tries to visit Bradley again.

Earlier this month the UN special rapporteur on torture, Julian Mendez, reprimanded the US government for failing to allow him private access to Bradley.

Mr Mendez was acting on a complaint the Bradley’s treatment amounts to “cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or torture.”