Three members of Chambers have acted in the inquest into the death of Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, who died in November 2016 during a sniper training course. His sniper rifle discharged while on a live weapons range at Tain, Scotland.
The inquest followed a Fatal Accident Inquiry in Scotland and took place before a jury at Winchester Coroners Court. Over six days, the jury considered evidence on range safety management and the weapon system, which included a demonstration of the sniper rifle, and the load and unload drills undertaken by soldiers operating it.
At the time the rifle discharged, LCpl Spencer was waiting in an ISO container to begin a night-time shoot. The jury returned a narrative conclusion that “inconsistent range management and adherence to safety procedures” contributed to a live round remaining in his rifle after the conclusion of a day-time shoot. The jury heard evidence that he was holding his rifle upright when it unexpectedly discharged a live round. LCpl Spencer died from a gunshot wound to the head. However, the jury was unable to ascertain what caused the weapon to discharge.
Leanne Woods and Paula Kelly acted for the Ministry of Defence, instructed by the Government Legal Department.
Nikita McNeill acted for a safety supervisor, instructed by DAC Beachcroft.
For more details see:
BBC: Tributes paid to ‘much loved’ soldier after inquest
ITV: Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ soldier from Hampshire who died waiting to go on firing range
Daily Mirror: Mystery remains over death of soldier who died of gunshot wound to head on range
