Soldier Jailed For Three Years After Killing Fellow Serviceman

A soldier has been sentenced to three years in prison after accidentally killing his colleague in January 2017.

Lance Corporal Colin Theaker accidentally fired a single shot directly at fellow soldier Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington while serving together in Iraq.

LCpl Theaker admitted manslaughter by gross negligence.

The court at Catterick Garrison heard that LCpl Hetherington was shot with a service pistol by his friend LCpl Theaker as they were "playing around" in their living accommodation at Camp Taji.

LCpl Hetherington was a member of Blenheim Company, serving in 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment at a vehicle commander when the incident took place.

The judge said: "You played around with weapons after you were clearly and strongly warned not to play with weapons.

"You killed someone who was your best friend. It’s more than devastating and we take that into account.

The judge also praised the family of LCpl Hetherington on their support of LCpl Theaker saying they had showed a "generosity of spirit rarely seen".