Dean Griffiths
PFD Report
Historic (No Identified Response)
Ref: 2013-0299
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Insufficient time allocated for exercises created pressure, preventing Range Conducting Officers from completing crucial final assurance checks.
View full coroner's concerns
During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur without action being taken. I was made aware that such action had already been taken but nevertheless announced at the inquest that I would be writing to you in these terms in accordance with my statutory duty.
There were time pressures of completing the exercises within the allocated time available to the Range Conducting Officer. I believe that the Exercise Director must ensure that the Planning Officer allows sufficient time for the RCO to complete his final assurance check.
There were time pressures of completing the exercises within the allocated time available to the Range Conducting Officer. I believe that the Exercise Director must ensure that the Planning Officer allows sufficient time for the RCO to complete his final assurance check.
Sent To
- House of Commons
Response Status
Linked responses
0 of 1
56-Day Deadline
9 Jan 2014
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 11th November 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Dean Griffiths aged 21. The investigation concluded the following day when the inquest ended. The jury found that the cause of Dean’s death was : 1a. Hypovolaemic shock 1b.Gunshot wound to the neck and reached a narrative conclusion which is as follows:-
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
Circumstances of the Death
Dean Griffiths was training with 1st Royal Welsh regiment on Lydd Ranges in September 2011, prior to deployment to Afghanistan, in a live firing exercise. Due to an incorrectly placed target, he received a single shot gun wound which caused his death.
Action Should Be Taken
A final sweep is carried out after refurbishment between signals to ensure that targets are correctly placed and only planned targets are presented.
Targetry should not be used for any other purpose than as targetry, and in particular, not as debris.
Targetry should not be used for any other purpose than as targetry, and in particular, not as debris.
Copies Sent To
HM Inspector of Health and Safety
TSOL Treasury Solicitors Department Bolt Burden Kemp Solicitors
Kent & Essex Serious Crime Directorate
H M Coroner
Inquest Conclusion
-
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.
We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.
Similar PFD Reports
Reports sharing organisations, categories, or themes
Related Inquiry Recommendations
Public inquiry recommendations addressing similar themes
Uniform policy for obtaining technical advice
Scottish Hospitals Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Streamlining NHS construction quality procedures
Scottish Hospitals Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Independent validation of hospital construction
Scottish Hospitals Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Clarify whether HCRS and OCS assessment processes differ
Post Office Horizon Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Reconsider Phase 1 recommendations in light of Phase 2
Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Add legal requirements warning to statutory guidance
Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Include academics on statutory guidance advisory bodies
Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Major project lessons learned
Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.