Army is braced for more abuse allegations

The Army is embroiled in a growing abuse scandal after four servicemen were convicted of the "brutal" and "revolting" abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

Army lawyers are preparing cases against 18 soldiers allegedly involved in the deaths of either Iraqi civilians or a fellow soldier.

Senior officers are also waiting with trepidation for the start of the murder trial in June of 22-year-old Kevin Williams, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, accused of killing an Iraqi lawyer.

Three soldiers photographed abusing prisoners in Iraq were told yesterday they could expect up to two years in jail.

Corporal Daniel Kenyon, 33, and Lance Corporal Mark Cooley, 25, both from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, will be sentenced tomorrow after being found guilty of taking part in the mistreatment of captured looters at an aid camp in Basra in May 2003. Lance Corporal Darren Larkin, 30, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, had already admitted a charge of assault.

Other cases being considered for prosecution by Army lawyers include one involving up to six British soldiers over the shooting of an Iraqi civilian two years ago. Another involves seven men been charged with murder.