Soldier charged with Iraqi's murder

A British soldier today became the first serviceman to be charged with the murder of a civilian in Iraq.

Kevin Williams, 21, a trooper in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, appeared at Bow Street magistrates' court this afternoon.

Dressed in a dark blue suit and open-necked blue shirt, Williams spoke only to confirm his name before being granted bail. He was arrested today in London and charged over the death of 23-yearold Hassan Abbad Said in Iraq's southern city of Basra where British troops are based.

Mr Said was shot while being arrested by British troops, though the details of his death in August last year are being kept secret by the Army. The matter was referred to Scotland Yard after Attorney General Lord Goldsmith passed details of the case to the CPS for investigation four months ago. Lord Goldsmith said: "This case was brought to my attention after charges were dismissed by the soldier's commanding officer.

"This meant the case could not be tried by court martial. I referred it to the CPS who asked the Metropolitan Police for assistance in collecting further evidence.

"I can confirm that today the Metropolitan Police charged Trooper Williams with the murder of Hassan Said."

Asked at his monthly Downing Street press conference about allegations of criminality against British soldiers in Iraq, Tony Blair said: "There are rules that our soldiers abide by and anyone who commits a criminal offence will be charged, as we made clear."

The condition of Williams's bail are that he reside at Knightsbridge barracks tonight and thereafter at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

Mr Said is one of 15 Iraqi civilians to have died in the British zone.

Investigators have concluded eight died in road accidents, from natural causes, or were killed by British troops acting in accordance with rules of engagement.

Seven others are the subject of ongoing investigations. They include the case of 26-year-old hotel worker Basa Mousa, who was allegedly beaten to death by British soldiers last year.