Two charged over soldiers deaths

Two men have been charged with negligence following the deaths of three soldiers during an SAS selection march in the Brecon Beacons.

L/Cpl Edward Maher, L/Cpl Craig Roberts and Cpl James Dunsby, who was from Wiltshire, were taking part in a 16-mile recruitment exercise on the hottest day of 2013.

A coroner ruled they died from neglect. Today, two special forces soldiers have been charged with negligent performance of duty over the deaths of the three reservists.

The Service Prosecution Authority has confirmed charges have been brought against two soldiers involved at the time.

Corporal James Dunsby died at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital from multiple organ failure more than two weeks later.

The case will be heard in a military court.

Lance Corporal Edward Maher, Corporal James Dunsby and Lance Corporal Craig Roberts. Credit: MOD

Corporal James Dunsby from Trowbridge died alongside two others after taking part in the exercise in temperatures in excess of 29C.

In April 2017, a new report, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, said further training exercises are still "remain vulnerable" to another incident.

It was undertaken by the independent watchdog, the Defence Safety Agency, which monitors the MoD.

The damning report added that until reservists were given the correct training - and their role fully understood and determined by commanding officers - the risk of death would continue.

Soldiers were carrying out a march on the Brecon Beacons. Credit: MOD

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