An investigation has found that a catalogue of failings led to the death of a soldier who was shot in the head while on a training exercise in the North East.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today (Wednesday, May 8) issued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with a Crown Censure after Conor McPherson was killed during a training exercise at the Heely Dod firing range in Otterburn, Northumberland, nearly eight years ago.

The 24-year-old was part of a team-of-five when he was accidentally shot in the back of the head by a fellow soldier at about 11pm on August 22, 2016.

Private McPherson, part of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, died at the scene.

The group had been shooting at remote controlled targets as they manoeuvred on foot through the moorland firing range.

They were using live rounds and night vision technology at the time.

A HSE investigation found the MoD (Army) failed to properly implement a safe system of work for the exercise.

HSE inspector Jonathan Wills said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Private McPherson, with whom we have remained in close contact.

“Just like any other employer, the MoD has a responsibility to reduce dangers to its personnel, as far as it properly can.”

A censure is a mechanism used by the HSE to formally show that, but for Crown immunity, there would have been sufficient evidence to prosecute the public body.

The HSE found the planning and conducting of the exercise was poor, and there was an ineffective system to monitor the management arrangements mandated within the MoD’s own procedures.

Mandated planning meetings in the lead up to the exercise were not attended by some staff.

Errors were made while producing written instructions and some staff lacked confidence while producing them.

The finalised written instructions differed to how the exercise was being conducted.

There should have been an additional supervisor with the firers on the night of the incident, due to the soldiers’ lack of experience when carrying out nighttime firing.

Mandated ‘nighttime’ specific safety tasks were not carried out prior to firing commencing.

Incorrect and unauthorised night vision equipment was being used by some soldiers.

Officers who were not sufficiently experienced in controlling such an activity were not properly mentored or supervised to deal with an exercise of such complexity.

By accepting the Crown Censure, the MoD (Army) has admitted breaching its duty under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 5 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

This HSE Crown Censure was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Kate Harney and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Farman.

The death of Private McPherson, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, has devasted his parents.

In a victim personal statement, his father, Neil McPherson, said: “Conor was a model son.

“He did not drink or smoke and he loved his family life. He loved books and his PC games and Saturday night films on TV.

“On the night Conor died, it was every parents’ worst nightmare. A knock at the door, two men in suits bearing news that we had lost our son.

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“I think we both went into shock but the memories of it all are blurred.

“The future is one of deep sorrow. Not to see Conor grow and find love and give us grandchildren is very sad.

“He would have been a fabulous father and as our only son there is no one to carry on the family name.”

Mr McPherson he has been unable to work since his son died.

He added: "Socially, I don’t go out much anymore and Betty (Conor’s mother) hardly ever goes out socially except for a meal.

“I myself could not go back to work after Conor’s death.

“I don’t think I want to work anymore as I tend to shun being around groups of people. Betty and I have many pictures that to date, I cannot bear to look at although we often reminisce together.

“We also both have one of Conor’s dog tags each which we wear on a chain.”

Lieutenant General Dame Sharon Nesmith, the British Army’s Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Army Safety Champion, accepted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Crown Censure issued.

She said: “I, on behalf of the Army, am deeply sorry for failing Pte Conor McPherson.

“I unreservedly apologise to his family for Conor's tragic death in a training accident on August 22, 2016.

“We 100 per cent accept the Health and Safety Executive findings.

“We failed to plan, organise, control and monitor the critical safety aspects of this live firing training event.

“Whilst live firing is complex and risky, Conor's death was preventable.

“We care hugely about our soldiers - above all else their health and wellbeing - on this occasion we got it wrong. Very wrong.

“We have addressed each of the failings cited in the Crown Censure.

“We took action in the immediate aftermath and have continued to apply lessons since.

“I, as the Army Safety Champion, am committed to driving the necessary change to reduce all training risk to the lowest possible level. 

The Northern Echo:

“We very much regret Conor's death.

“His legacy will be our continual drive to do better.

“On behalf of the MOD and the Army, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”