Family may sue over shell blast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE PARENTS of a labourer who died when a tank shell exploded while he was cutting it up for scrap may sue Army chiefs after an inquest jury ruled that he had been unlawfully killed, writes John Szymanski.
Stacey Brough, 22, had been opening shells with an oxyacetylene torch at his father's scrapyard in Whitley Bridge, North Yorkshire, when one - a 76mm high explosive shell used by light tanks and armoured cars - exploded in his face.
Mr Brough died instantly in the blast, on 13 September last year. His workmate, Shaun Hone, 29, who had been standing near by, was injured seriously.
The 24-ton consignment was thought to be safe but contained four 'live' shells which failed to detonate when used for target practice.
The inquest was told that the shells had been bought from another scrapyard, which had collected them from Warcop firing range in Cumbria. Its commanding officer, Colonel Richard Cliff, who arranged the deal, said it was to his 'eternal regret' that he had not sent out memos to workers about the danger of shells. He said ammunition should have never left the base.
The jury returned a unanimous verdict of unlawful killing. Afterwards, James Kendrew, the Brough family solicitor, said they would consider launching a criminal action against the Ministry of Defence.
The coroner, Dr Sydney Jacobs, said a file would be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. He urged the Health and Safety Executive to immediately review the MoD's safety procedures.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments