Soldier died when he rested his chin on loaded weapon

A “SERIES of errors, shortfalls and poor judgement” at an RAF weapons training exercise led to the death of a young soldier, a report has found.

Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died at RAF Tain in the Scottish Highlands on November 1 last year. A report by the Defence Safety Authority published yesterday said the 24- year- old from Hampshire died when his rifle discharged as he rested his chin on the weapon.

It concluded that his death was an “avoidable accident”.

L/ Cpl Spencer’s family said they were “extremely disappointed” at the report’s findings.