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Coroner in SAS inquest blocks release of witness statements Coroner in SAS inquest blocks release of witness statements
(about 3 hours later)
A coroner hearing the inquest of three men who suffered fatal heat illness during an SAS training march in south Wales has refused to allow the release of witness statements, concluding that their publication could threaten any future criminal prosecutions.A coroner hearing the inquest of three men who suffered fatal heat illness during an SAS training march in south Wales has refused to allow the release of witness statements, concluding that their publication could threaten any future criminal prosecutions.
The Guardian and other media organisations argued that in the interest of open justice, statements taken by detectives investigating the tragedy on the Brecon Beacons and provided to the inquest should be released to allow the proceedings to be reported fully.The Guardian and other media organisations argued that in the interest of open justice, statements taken by detectives investigating the tragedy on the Brecon Beacons and provided to the inquest should be released to allow the proceedings to be reported fully.
But the Birmingham and Solihull coroner, Louise Hunt, said on Friday there would be a “clear and compelling risk” to any future criminal action by the police or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if they were published. She said the evidence she was relying on had been either given orally by witnesses or read out fully in open court.But the Birmingham and Solihull coroner, Louise Hunt, said on Friday there would be a “clear and compelling risk” to any future criminal action by the police or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if they were published. She said the evidence she was relying on had been either given orally by witnesses or read out fully in open court.
L/Cpls Craig Roberts and Edward Maher and Cpl James Dunsby died after suffering hyperthermia as temperatures reached 27C (80.6F) during the test in July 2013. At least seven more reservists suffered heat injuries during the exercise.L/Cpls Craig Roberts and Edward Maher and Cpl James Dunsby died after suffering hyperthermia as temperatures reached 27C (80.6F) during the test in July 2013. At least seven more reservists suffered heat injuries during the exercise.
The inquest in Solihull, West Midlands, has heard claims that the march was not called off for the heat because it would have generated too much paperwork. Candidates have given vivid accounts of running out of water, collapsing and having to be helped by civilians.The inquest in Solihull, West Midlands, has heard claims that the march was not called off for the heat because it would have generated too much paperwork. Candidates have given vivid accounts of running out of water, collapsing and having to be helped by civilians.
On Wednesday, barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, for the Guardian and other media organisations, argued that the “default position” was that access to statements relied on in court should should be permitted in the interest of open justice.On Wednesday, barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, for the Guardian and other media organisations, argued that the “default position” was that access to statements relied on in court should should be permitted in the interest of open justice.
She told the coroner the inquest “undoubtedly raises issues of public interest” but the media were being “severely hampered in their ability to report on these important inquest proceedings given the absence of basic disclosure”.She told the coroner the inquest “undoubtedly raises issues of public interest” but the media were being “severely hampered in their ability to report on these important inquest proceedings given the absence of basic disclosure”.
The default position that statements should be released was set out in a 2013 court of appeal ruling after the Guardian argued it was impossible to properly report an extradition case at the City of London magistrates court because documents referred to and relied on in court were not available to reporters.The default position that statements should be released was set out in a 2013 court of appeal ruling after the Guardian argued it was impossible to properly report an extradition case at the City of London magistrates court because documents referred to and relied on in court were not available to reporters.
Gallagher said “transparency of the process and assuaging public concerns” were a central part of the inquest process and so the proceedings should be reported as fully as possible.Gallagher said “transparency of the process and assuaging public concerns” were a central part of the inquest process and so the proceedings should be reported as fully as possible.
Lawyers for Dyfed-Powys police and the HSE both argued that possible criminal proceedings following the inquest could be compromised if the statements were released. The coroner agreed, saying she had to balance the “open justice principle” with the risk of harm.Lawyers for Dyfed-Powys police and the HSE both argued that possible criminal proceedings following the inquest could be compromised if the statements were released. The coroner agreed, saying she had to balance the “open justice principle” with the risk of harm.
Many witnesses have been giving evidence from behind a screen and have been identified only by ciphers. The Guardian and others also questioned the basis for this.Many witnesses have been giving evidence from behind a screen and have been identified only by ciphers. The Guardian and others also questioned the basis for this.
Hunt said the ruling had been made because the personnel were members of a specialist military unit and revealing their identity could compromise their safety, the safety of others and national security. The coroner also said she believed the screening and ciphering had improved the quality of evidence given.Hunt said the ruling had been made because the personnel were members of a specialist military unit and revealing their identity could compromise their safety, the safety of others and national security. The coroner also said she believed the screening and ciphering had improved the quality of evidence given.
Meanwhile, an army reservist who treated casualties during the fatal march told the inquest he believed there were not enough medics stationed on the 16-mile route.Meanwhile, an army reservist who treated casualties during the fatal march told the inquest he believed there were not enough medics stationed on the 16-mile route.
Combat medic 1U told the hearing he raised concern about medical staffing levels during previous military “selection” courses.Combat medic 1U told the hearing he raised concern about medical staffing levels during previous military “selection” courses.
The inquest has heard they passed through five checkpoints, only two of which were staffed by combat medics.The inquest has heard they passed through five checkpoints, only two of which were staffed by combat medics.
Asked if it was enough by the coroner, 1U replied: “No it was not. For some of the further checkpoints, it would take us time to get there and especially with heat injuries, time is against you.”Asked if it was enough by the coroner, 1U replied: “No it was not. For some of the further checkpoints, it would take us time to get there and especially with heat injuries, time is against you.”
He added: “I had raised it several times in the past. But we have to work with the amount of manpower that we have.”He added: “I had raised it several times in the past. But we have to work with the amount of manpower that we have.”
The staff sergeant was further questioned by Keith Morton QC, who is representing David Dunsby, James Dunsby’s father.The staff sergeant was further questioned by Keith Morton QC, who is representing David Dunsby, James Dunsby’s father.
Morton said to 1U: “Did you consider that there were any deficiencies in the medical planning that contributed to the casualties on 13 July?” “Yes, there weren’t enough medics,” 1U responded.Morton said to 1U: “Did you consider that there were any deficiencies in the medical planning that contributed to the casualties on 13 July?” “Yes, there weren’t enough medics,” 1U responded.
1U also said there was “no wind at all” on the mountains, a situation he had never encountered before.1U also said there was “no wind at all” on the mountains, a situation he had never encountered before.
In addition he claimed he was not given a radio on the day of the march, involving 78 candidates, because “there weren’t enough to go around”.In addition he claimed he was not given a radio on the day of the march, involving 78 candidates, because “there weren’t enough to go around”.
1U told the inquest problems with recruiting medics were ongoing. “We still don’t have enough medics to put on the ground,” he told the coroner.
The inquest continues.The inquest continues.