Inquest may call Hoon this week

The former defence secretary Geoff Hoon could be summoned as soon as next Friday to give evidence at the inquest into the death of a British tank commander.

Mr Hoon will face questions over the death of Sergeant Steven Roberts, who died from bullet wounds fired by allies in the southern Iraqi town of Az Zubayr on 24 March 2003.

Sgt Roberts was ordered to give up his Enhanced Combat Body Armour (Ecba) due to shortages just three days before the incident. Had he been wearing it when he was shot, it would have probably saved his life, according to pathologists .

Sgt Roberts's widow, Samantha, may be close to getting the answers she has wanted for more than three years, such as why Mr Hoon delayed the authorisation of an order for 37,000 sets of Ecba when the troops were said to be "combat ready".

James Rowley QC, counsel for Ms Roberts, told Oxfordshire Coroners Court: "There is an obvious person to ask. One would hope as former secretary of state... Mr Hoon would be able to find out the relevant details."

Damning evidence was heard last week in a series of tape recordings made by Sgt Roberts during his short service at the start of the military campaign in Iraq. The lack of equipment was brought up repeatedly in the recordings.

The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow.