Dean Griffiths · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 11th November 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Dean Griffiths aged 21. The investigation concluded the following day when the inquest ended. The jury found that the cause of Dean’s death was :
1a. Hypovolaemic shock
1b.Gunshot wound to the neck
and reached a narrative conclusion which is as follows:-

The incident occurred after two soldiers entered the compound and one engaged an enemy target in the right hand corner of the compound. Two shots were fired, one of which passed through the target and perimeter wall hitting the deceased.

We, the jury, conclude that Fusilier Dean Griffiths died as a result of an accident as the consequence of an unintended occurrence, act or omission during a live fire training exercise.

Dean Griffiths was training with 1st Royal Welsh regiment on Lydd Ranges in September 2011, prior to deployment to Afghanistan, in a live firing exercise. Due to an incorrectly placed target, he received a single shot gun wound which caused his death.

There were time pressures of completing the exercises within the allocated time available to the Range Conducting Officer. I believe that the Exercise Director must ensure that the Planning Officer allows sufficient time for the RCO to complete his final assurance check.