Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Dean Griffiths
Ref: 2013-0299
Date: 14 Nov 2013
Coroner: Rachel Redman
Area: Kent (Central & South East)
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner raised concerns about time pressures on the Range Conducting Officer to complete exercises, noting that the Exercise Director must ensure sufficient time is allocated for final assurance checks.
Date
14 Nov 2013
56-day deadline
9 Jan 2014
stated in the report
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner raised concerns about time pressures on the Range Conducting Officer to complete exercises, noting that the Exercise Director must ensure sufficient time is allocated for final assurance checks.
View full coroner's concerns
During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur without action being taken. I was made aware that such action had already been taken but nevertheless announced at the inquest that I would be writing to you in these terms in accordance with my statutory duty.
There were time pressures of completing the exercises within the allocated time available to the Range Conducting Officer. I believe that the Exercise Director must ensure that the Planning Officer allows sufficient time for the RCO to complete his final assurance check.
There were time pressures of completing the exercises within the allocated time available to the Range Conducting Officer. I believe that the Exercise Director must ensure that the Planning Officer allows sufficient time for the RCO to complete his final assurance check.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 11th November 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Dean Griffiths aged 21. The investigation concluded the following day when the inquest ended. The jury found that the cause of Dean’s death was : 1a. Hypovolaemic shock 1b.Gunshot wound to the neck and reached a narrative conclusion which is as follows:-
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
Circumstances of the death
Dean Griffiths was training with 1st Royal Welsh regiment on Lydd Ranges in September 2011, prior to deployment to Afghanistan, in a live firing exercise. Due to an incorrectly placed target, he received a single shot gun wound which caused his death.
Action should be taken
A final sweep is carried out after refurbishment between signals to ensure that targets are correctly placed and only planned targets are presented.
Targetry should not be used for any other purpose than as targetry, and in particular, not as debris.
Targetry should not be used for any other purpose than as targetry, and in particular, not as debris.
Copies sent to
HM Inspector of Health and SafetyTSOL Treasury Solicitors Department Bolt Burden Kemp SolicitorsKent & Essex Serious Crime DirectorateH M Coroner
Inquest conclusion
-
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
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Report details
- Reference
- 2013-0299
- Date of report
- 14 November 2013
- Coroner
- Rachel Redman
- Coroner area
- Kent (Central & South East)
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 9 Jan 2014 (stated in the report).
Sent to
- House of Commons