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Mother in Snatch vehicle victory | Mother in Snatch vehicle victory |
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The mother of a soldier killed in Iraq has won the right to a judicial review of the government's refusal to hold a public inquiry into Snatch Land Rovers. | The mother of a soldier killed in Iraq has won the right to a judicial review of the government's refusal to hold a public inquiry into Snatch Land Rovers. |
Susan Smith, of Tamworth, Staffs, whose son Phillip Hewett, 21, died in 2005, is challenging the use of the vehicles in Afghanistan and Iraq. | Susan Smith, of Tamworth, Staffs, whose son Phillip Hewett, 21, died in 2005, is challenging the use of the vehicles in Afghanistan and Iraq. |
But Mr Justice Mitting said the review would not cover the present and future use of the lightly armoured vehicles. | But Mr Justice Mitting said the review would not cover the present and future use of the lightly armoured vehicles. |
They have been criticised for offering poor protection from bomb blasts. | They have been criticised for offering poor protection from bomb blasts. |
The High Court heard that 37 soldiers had died in Iraq and Afghanistan while using the vehicles since 2005. name="top"> class="bodl" href="#name">The Snatch Land Rover and its alternative | |
However, the judge said the vehicles' present and future deployment was "unimpeachable" in the courts. | However, the judge said the vehicles' present and future deployment was "unimpeachable" in the courts. |
Ms Smith's son, a private in the 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment, and two other soldiers were killed in the Al Amarah region of Iraq on 16 July 2005. | Ms Smith's son, a private in the 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment, and two other soldiers were killed in the Al Amarah region of Iraq on 16 July 2005. |
Pte Hewett was driving a Snatch Land Rover when it was hit by a roadside bomb attack on three of the vehicles on patrol. | Pte Hewett was driving a Snatch Land Rover when it was hit by a roadside bomb attack on three of the vehicles on patrol. |
Mr Justice Mitting said three issues could be investigated if a full inquiry is held: | Mr Justice Mitting said three issues could be investigated if a full inquiry is held: |
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Ministry of Defence lawyers had argued that a coroner's inquest held into Pte Hewett's death was adequate. | |
But the judge said such hearings were not able to address "systemic issues which give rise to public concern". | |
After the decision Ms Smith said she was "delighted". | After the decision Ms Smith said she was "delighted". |
"It is only the first stage, but I am just glad that someone is listening. It isn't just me. You have got three other families here who have lost their sons, all in similar circumstances," she said. | "It is only the first stage, but I am just glad that someone is listening. It isn't just me. You have got three other families here who have lost their sons, all in similar circumstances," she said. |
Ms Smith and at least three other families are seeking damages against the MoD over Snatch vehicle military deaths in separate proceedings. | |
The Snatch was originally designed for use in Northern Ireland as a cheap and quick way of moving troops about. | The Snatch was originally designed for use in Northern Ireland as a cheap and quick way of moving troops about. |
UK ARMY SNATCH LAND ROVER AND THE RG-31 ALTERNATIVE Name: Snatch Land RoverDefences: Armour to protect against explosions and ballistics; roadside bomb detectorsStrengths: Quick land transport for up to six troopsWeaknesses: Questions over level of protection offeredCost: Approximately £50,000 Name: RG-31 - made by OMCDefences: All-steel armoured hull protects against mines and small arms fireStrengths: V-shaped underside pushes blast outwardsWeaknesses: Questions over mobility and maintenanceCost: Approximately £250,000 | |
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