Friendly fire death criminal and unlawful, rules inquest

THE killing of friendly fire victim Matty Hull in Iraq four years ago was a “criminal, unlawful act” tantamount to manslaughter, a coroner ruled yesterday.

The widow of 25-year-old Lance Corporal Hull broke down as the coroner delivered his damning verdict that the US pilot acted outside the rules of engagement.

“The attack on the convoy amounted to an assault,” he said. “There was no lawful reason for it and in that respect it was criminal.”