British Soldier's Widow Wants Government Talks After 'Disrespectful' Treatment

The wife of a British soldier killed on an Iraqi military base wants to talk to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

It comes as charges against US troops accused of killing Captain Dean Sprouting were dropped.

Capt Sprouting died after being hit by a forklift truck while out jogging in January 2018.

Serving with the Third Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Captain Sprouting was helping to provide security for US forces at Al Asad Air Base on Operation Shader.

His wife Linda said: "Those who knew Dean would know what he was like, because he was quite a character.

"He loved to cook very much, he was very good at that, liked football, socialising, happy-go-lucky guy.

"Just like any family incident that's happened, it's kind of torn the family apart.

"We were married 25 years so, two young boys, his career was going well, he'd just been commissioned and then he got assigned to 3 SCOTS in Inverness."

The United States decided no prosecution was warranted, while the father-of-two's death was ruled accidental by an inquest in Oxford.

Linda, however, says it was totally avoidable and the US personnel were negligent and must take responsibility.

"It's almost like Dean's life didn't account for anything.

"He's over 27 years man service, several medals for his tours that he's done.

"For what he's given to the service, for Queen and country, I think it has been a bit disrespectful."

An MOD spokesperson said: "Our deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of Captain Dean Sprouting at this difficult time.

"We take the safety of our personnel very seriously and liaised closely with the US investigatory authorities throughout their investigation."