Colonel Tim Collins: articles caused him ‘immense distress’.
Writs for libel damages against the Sunday Express and the Northern Ireland Sunday Mirror have been issued, his solicitor Ernie Telford confirmed yesterday.
Proceedings were initiated following the publication of articles in both newspapers on May 25.
Northern Ireland-born Col Collins, 43, a father of five, who won British and American praise for a rousing speech to his Royal Irish Regiment troops on the eve of fighting, has denied claims he broke the rules of conduct during the conflict in Iraq.
The Ministry of Defence ordered an investigation into claims made by a US military officer, Major Re Biastre of 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Buffalo, New York, who alleged abuse of captured Iraqis.
Col Collins is currently on a staff officer’s posting in England.
Mr Telford, of Belfast legal firm McCartan Turkington Breen, claimed the articles were seriously defamatory.
“They have caused immense distress to my client, his wife and children,” Mr Telford said.
“His professional and private reputation, and standing, have been seriously injured. It is likely that the damage to his reputation will be irreparable,” he added.
