Murder charge Briton could face death sentence in Iraq

A British security contractor accused of shooting dead two of his colleagues and injuring a third person as he tried to escape could face the death penalty if convicted.

Danny Fitzsimons was arrested by Iraqi police after the attack in Baghdad's International Zone yesterday morning.

Paul McGuigan, a Briton with family in the Peebles area of Scotland, and Australian Darren Hoare died in a "squabble", officials said.

The three all worked for security firm ArmorGroup Iraq, and had been drinking earlier in the day, Interior ministry spokesman Major General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf said.

Mr Fitzsimons could face the death penalty if found guilty of the shooting.

Major General Khalaf said: "He tried to run away but he was then arrested. He's now in Iraqi police custody and he will be tried under Iraqi law, which could result in execution."

A witness to the fight said: "They were all very drunk and started shouting at each other. They had a big argument and suddenly [Mr Fitzsimons] pulled out a gun and shot his two friends. An Iraqi was standing behind him and tried to take away the gun. But he turned around and shot him ... Then he ran away."

Mr Fitzsimons had only re-joined ArmorGroup at the end of July.

He had worked as a contractor for various firms in Iraq and last year "took some time out" before returning, ArmorGroup spokesman Patrick Toyne-Sewell said.

Mr Fitzsimons could become the first Westerner to face an Iraqi trial on murder charges since an agreement giving foreign workers immunity was lifted.

Iraqi military spokesman Major General Qassim al-Moussawi said: "It started as a squabble. The suspect is facing a premeditated murder charge. The matter is now in the hands of Iraqi justice."

Another British man was questioned by police and later released, the Foreign Office confirmed.

Mr Toyne-Sewell said ex-Royal Marine Mr McGuigan, 37, had worked for the company in Iraq for six years.

He most recently headed up a team tasked with "personal security".

ArmorGroup Iraq released a statement which said: "The two men were Paul McGuigan, a British national, and Darren Hoare, an Australian national. Their next of kin have been informed and we are supporting them as much as we can in these tragic circumstances.

"We are working closely with the Iraqi authorities to investigate the circumstances of their deaths."

The shooting comes two months after five Americans were arrested in connection with the stabbing of fellow contractor James Kitterman from Houston. They were later taken into US custody.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "The Iraqi police are investigating a shooting incident in Baghdad in which one British national was killed. One British national is being held in Iraqi custody and a second has now been released. One Australian national was also killed in the incident."