Iraq trial faces delay

Medical reports halt murder probe
THE trial of a former paratrooper accused of killing two colleagues in Iraq last year has been postponed for psychiatric reports.

Danny Fitzsimons, a one-time pupil at Our Lady’s Catholic School, Royton, is accused of shooting two fellow private security guards in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a heavily-protected region of Iraq’s capital city.

Paul McGuigan, of Peebles, Scotland, and Australian Darren Hoarse, both 37, who worked for security firm ArmorGroup, were shot on August 9. Fitzsimons could now face the death penalty in Iraq for the alleged double murder.

The 29-year-old, who was raised in New Moston, lives in Middleton, and served in Iraq and Afghanistan before leaving the Army five years ago.

His father, Eric Fitzsimons, a PE teacher, played for Oldham Rugby League Club between 1979 to 1981 and later coached them.

He also coached St Anne’s at amateur level and lives with Daniel’s stepmother, Liz, in Whitworth, Rochdale.

It was alleged the incident took place during a drunken brawl.

Lawyers say he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

His family previously said he was suffering from psychiatric stress following his experiences in Iraq and should be tried in the UK.

Fitzsimons is understood to be the first westerner facing an Iraqi trial on murder charges since an agreement giving foreign workers immunity was lifted.

He was believed to be appearing at the Central Criminal Court of Iraq for a pre-judicial hearing, a Foreign Office source said.

The case in Baghdad has now been postponed for medical examinations and is due to resume on February 18.