'Binge drinking' fears on nuclear sub

Police investigating the fatal shooting of an officer on a submarine by a naval rating were so alarmed by the crew's binge-drinking that they contacted military authorities, an inquest heard today.

Detective Superintendent Tony Harris interviewed the crew of HMS Astute after Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux was killed by Able Seaman Ryan Donovan, who was 76 per cent above the drink-drive limit.

The hearing in Southampton was told the officer wrote to Hampshire's Chief Constable with his concerns. After talking to the crew, detectives concluded that Donovan's drink intake was not out of the ordinary.

The inquest continues.