Three acquitted of 'beasting' death

Three soldiers have been found not guilty of "beasting" a private to death in Wiltshire in punishment for his drunken behaviour.

Provost Sgt Russell Price, 46, of 2 Rifles, the physical training instructor Sgt Paul Blake, 37, and Cpl John Edwards, 33, both from the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Regiment, all denied the manslaughter of Pte Gavin Williams at a Tidworth barracks on 3 July 2006.

During the trial at Winchester Crown Court the prosecution alleged that Pte Williams, 22, from Hengoed, south Wales, was put through an intense session of physical exercise, or "beasting", at Lucknow Barracks to punish him for his drunken high jinks. Pte Williams, of the Second Battalion the Royal Welsh Regiment, collapsed and died of heatstroke on one of the hottest days of 2006.

Tests later showed he had the drug ecstasy in his body when he died. Following the acquittal, trial judge Mr Justice Royce attacked the Army for allowing "beasting" to take place.