Soldier killed when rifle went off ‘without warning’ on exercise, inquiry finds A soldier died when his rifle went off “without warning” during a training exercise in the Scottish Highlands, an inquiry into his death has found.
He was standing waiting for his turn to take part in an exercise, with the butt of his rifle resting on his foot and his chin resting on the barrel, when it went off.
He died while taking part in new sniper operators’ course, which began on October 3 2016 and was being delivered in three phases at ranges at Barry Buddon near Dundee, Tain in the Highlands and in Otterburn, Northumberland.
Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, 24, was killed on November 1, 2016 when his gun went off unexpectedly during a sniper training course in Tain.
In his determination following a fatal accident inquiry, sheriff Gary Aitken said: “[/LCpl Spencer] was holding his rifle vertically.
