Probe into soldier's death (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Probe into soldier's death

A FOURTH pre-inquest review over the death of a young soldier in Porton Down Army experiments in 1953 begins on Thursday.

Ronald Maddison was one of a group of soldiers exposed to Sarin nerve gas by scientists.

The soldier had been told that they were taking part in research into the common cold, but Mr Maddison, from Manchester, collapsed and died soon after being exposed to the gas.

The Ministry of Defence refused to reveal details of the Army inquest which followed.

Sarin was the gas used by terrorists from a religious cult who struck on the Tokyo underground network in 1995, killing 12 people and injuring about 6,000.

Thursday's review will extend to Friday if necessary, and will be held at the former Magistrates' Court in the Town Hall, Market Street, Trowbridge, beginning at 10am.

The Coroner's Office for Wiltshire and Swindon says Thursday's review will consider administrative issues.

It is understood that consideration will be given to how documents should be presented during the inquest proper, and to fixing an appropriate date for that hearing to begin.