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28/05/2008
Inquest Into Soldier Death In Iraq Resumes
An inquest into the death of a young soldier in Iraq has resumed.
Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Coffey, from Cullompton, Devon, died after being shot through his helmet in the back of the head while serving in Basra in 2007.
The hearing being presided over by the Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland, is continuing at Devon County Hall in Exeter.
It is reported that the particular sniper weapon, which killed the Mr Coffey - a rifleman - was used to injure six other servicemen in Iraq.
Ballistics expert, Ann Kiernan is reported in The Sun Newspaper as saying that she is not aware of any helmet available "which would have stopped that kind of projectile".
She added that the ammunition should have been fired from between 50 to 100 yards away, but that the 5.6mm round was actually fired at close range.
Mr Coffey was providing "top cover" for the patrol - which meant his head and shoulders were exposed outside the hatch of his vehicle - which was stopped at a police station as part of the task.
It is reported that the soldier had volunteered for a second tour of duty in Iraq and was serving with the C Company of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles.
He was returning to base at the Shatt-al-Arab Hotel when the attack occurred.
(DS)
Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Coffey, from Cullompton, Devon, died after being shot through his helmet in the back of the head while serving in Basra in 2007.
The hearing being presided over by the Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland, is continuing at Devon County Hall in Exeter.
It is reported that the particular sniper weapon, which killed the Mr Coffey - a rifleman - was used to injure six other servicemen in Iraq.
Ballistics expert, Ann Kiernan is reported in The Sun Newspaper as saying that she is not aware of any helmet available "which would have stopped that kind of projectile".
She added that the ammunition should have been fired from between 50 to 100 yards away, but that the 5.6mm round was actually fired at close range.
Mr Coffey was providing "top cover" for the patrol - which meant his head and shoulders were exposed outside the hatch of his vehicle - which was stopped at a police station as part of the task.
It is reported that the soldier had volunteered for a second tour of duty in Iraq and was serving with the C Company of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles.
He was returning to base at the Shatt-al-Arab Hotel when the attack occurred.
(DS)
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19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
01 March 2007
MoD names British soldier killed in Iraq
The Ministry of Defence have named the soldier killed during an ambush in Basra on Tuesday as Rifleman Daniel Lee Coffey, from 10 Platoon, C Company, Second Battalion The Rifles. Rifleman Coffey, 21, died as a result of injuries sustained during patrol in north Basra.
MoD names British soldier killed in Iraq
The Ministry of Defence have named the soldier killed during an ambush in Basra on Tuesday as Rifleman Daniel Lee Coffey, from 10 Platoon, C Company, Second Battalion The Rifles. Rifleman Coffey, 21, died as a result of injuries sustained during patrol in north Basra.
09 April 2004
Former British soldier killed in Iraq
A former British soldier, who was in Iraq working as a private security guard, has been shot dead in the town of Hit, it has been reported today. Former Paratrooper Michael John Bloss, 38, from Bridgend, south Wales, was killed while protecting three electrical contractors, according to reports emerging today.
Former British soldier killed in Iraq
A former British soldier, who was in Iraq working as a private security guard, has been shot dead in the town of Hit, it has been reported today. Former Paratrooper Michael John Bloss, 38, from Bridgend, south Wales, was killed while protecting three electrical contractors, according to reports emerging today.
17 August 2004
Six die in Baghdad mortar attack
At last six people have been killed and around 30 injured following a rebel mortar bomb attack on a busy street in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Initial reports suggest that one woman and two children were among the dead. Three bodies were burned beyond recognition, the Press Association reported. The injured were ferried to the Medical City complex.
Six die in Baghdad mortar attack
At last six people have been killed and around 30 injured following a rebel mortar bomb attack on a busy street in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Initial reports suggest that one woman and two children were among the dead. Three bodies were burned beyond recognition, the Press Association reported. The injured were ferried to the Medical City complex.
21 June 2004
Three British navy boats seized by Iran, reports claim
Three British navy vessels, manned by eight sailors, have been seized by Iran after entering its territorial waters, it has been reported today. An Iranian military source, quoted by Reuters, said that the boats were held and the sailors arrested after an incident in the Shatt Al Arab channel which divides Iraq and Iran.
Three British navy boats seized by Iran, reports claim
Three British navy vessels, manned by eight sailors, have been seized by Iran after entering its territorial waters, it has been reported today. An Iranian military source, quoted by Reuters, said that the boats were held and the sailors arrested after an incident in the Shatt Al Arab channel which divides Iraq and Iran.
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