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SAS selection training deaths coroner warns of MoD investigation | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A coroner examining the deaths of two soldiers during SAS selection training warned that the Ministry of Defence could face investigation under the Human Rights Act. | |
Edward Maher, 31, and Craig Roberts, 24, collapsed in soaring temperatures while on the training regime on the Brecon Beacons. | |
The cause remains "unascertained". | |
Powys coroner Louise Hunt said "right to life" will play an important part in the inquest. | |
"The state has a duty to protect an individual's life," she said. | |
"The importance of looking into the wider circumstances of these deaths is that Article Two of the Human Rights Act will come into play. | |
"Any verdict must incorporate failings if any are identified." | |
Before adjourning proceedings, she said a full inquest would examine all the circumstances leading up to the deaths and examine any failings. | |
Ms Hunt also said her investigation was not a "normal" inquest and any future verdict given must be independent and have the full involvement of both victims' families. | |
"I would also like to place on record my deepest condolences to both families," she added. | |
The inquest in Brecon heard the men died on 13 July as temperatures hit 29.5C. | |
They had been among six men rescued from the mountain. A third soldier remains in a serious condition. | |
Giving evidence at the inquest at Brecon Law Courts, Dyfed-Powys Powys Det Insp Ieuan Wyn Jones said L/Cpl Roberts had been pronounced dead on the mountain at 17:15 BST. | |
Almost three hours later, Mr Maher died at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. | |
"Post mortems have been carried out and the causes of death are unascertained," he added. | |
"Further investigations are being carried out." | "Further investigations are being carried out." |
Witnesses on the day described coming across two soldiers "clearly in distress" who pleaded with them for some drinking water. | |
The pair were understood to be taking part in the aptitude training element of the course to become SAS reservists. | The pair were understood to be taking part in the aptitude training element of the course to become SAS reservists. |
L/Cpl Roberts, 24, of Penrhyn Bay, had served with the Territorial Army for around five years and is understood to have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. | L/Cpl Roberts, 24, of Penrhyn Bay, had served with the Territorial Army for around five years and is understood to have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. |
A MoD statement read: "We can confirm that the coroner (Bridgend, Glamorgan Valleys and Powys) opened and adjourned an inquest into the deaths of two army reserve soldiers who died during a routine training exercise. | |
"As this is an ongoing investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police it would be inappropriate to comment further until this process is concluded. | |
"Our thoughts remain with the friends and families of the soldiers at this difficult time." | |