Incomplete unloading drill led to soldier's death when he rested chin on rifle, inquiry says

An inquiry has ruled that a failure to complete an unloading drill led to the death of a soldier when he rested his chin on his rifle during an exercise.

Lance Corporal Joe Spencer was on a live-fire exercise at Air Weapons Range Tain in the Scottish Highlands in 2016 when he suffered a lethal head injury after his rifle discharged.

A fatal accident inquiry found the failure to complete the unloading drill of the gun led to his death and that he was likely unaware the weapon was still loaded.

Sheriff Gary Aiken, overseeing the inquiry, said the incident could have been avoided if the soldier hadn't been holding the rifle vertically close to himself.

LCpl Spencer, originally from Hampshire, joined the Army in 2011 and completed a tour of Afghanistan.

An earlier service inquiry report had said there had been a series of "errors, shortfalls and poor judgement" during the sniper course he was taking part in.

His family has also raised concerns about how the course was run.

But Sheriff Aitken ruled there were no defects in any system of working and no individual had acted with "malice or recklessness."

He also paid tribute to LCpl Spencer saying he was a young man of extraordinary determination and strength of character, committed to the service of others.

An Army spokesperson said: "First and foremost, our thoughts and sympathies remain with LCpl Joe Spencer's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time. 

"We acknowledge the professionalism of all those involved in the fatal accident inquiry examining the circumstances surrounding Joe's death.

"We're grateful to the Sheriff of Grampian, Highland and Islands for his handling of the inquiry and respect his determination."