Soldier shot dead after ‘total disregard’ of safety

A young soldier was killed on a training exercise after an officer showed “a total disregard” for safety, a court martial has heard.

Ranger Michael Maguire, 21, of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, was shot in the forehead as he relaxed with fellow soldiers at the Castlemartin Ranges, Pembrokeshire.

The fatal bullet was fired more than half a mile away.

Captain Jonathan Price, 32, now of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish, denies manslaughter by gross negligence after setting up the “catastrophic” exercise.

The trial continues.