Documentary claims G4S was warned about killer

A BBC documentary to be aired tonight claims that the security company G4S was sent warnings not to employ an armed guard in Iraq days before he murdered two colleagues.

Danny Fitzsimons was sentenced to at least 20 years in prison last year for killing Paul McGuigan, a Scot, and Darren Hoare, an Australian, in Baghdad in August 2009. All were working for the UK security company G4S.

BBC Scotland Investigates: Britain's Private War claims that a G4S whistleblower sent a series of emails to the company in London, warning about Fitzsimons' previous convictions and unstable behaviour.

The anonymous worker warned G4S: "I am alarmed that he will shortly be allowed to handle a weapon and be exposed to members of the public. I am speaking out because I feel that people should not be put at risk."

Another email, sent as Fitzsimons was due to start work in Baghdad, says: "Having made you aware of the issues regarding the violent criminal Danny Fitzsimons, it has been noted that you have not taken my advice and still choose to employ him in a position of trust. I have told you that he remains a threat and you have done nothing."

PA