Colonel Collins wins 'war torture' libel fight

Iraq war commander Colonel Tim Collins today won court apologies and substantial but undisclosed libel damages from two national newspapers.

The colonel, whose eveof-battle address to the Royal Irish Regiment won world ac claim, was wrongly linked by the Sunday Express and Sunday Mirror to allegations including murder of surrendering Iraqi soldiers.

Both papers admitted to Belfast High Court that their claims of bullying, torture and unlawful killing were false. The officer's lawyer, Ernest Telford, said his client had been "totally exonerated".

He added outside the court: "This is one fight he had to win. He has been to hell and back."

Colonel Collins, 43, told his troops near the Iraq border: "We are entering Iraq to free a people - show respect for them." He also urged the soldiers to be "ferocious in battle, magnanimous in victory".

He is to leave the Army in August after 22 years' service, but would not comment on his plans.