11th-hour bid to reach our Danny

FRAUGHT . . . Liz and Eric Fitzsimons

Iraq fund targets Sunday’s verdict

THE family of a former soldier who could face the death penalty have said they will soon have enough donations to fly his dad and brother out to Iraq — just days before a final court verdict is delivered on Sunday.

Danny Fitsimons, a security contractor and former pupil of Our Lady’s RC School, Royton, told an Iraqi court that he shot his ArmorGroup colleagues Paul McGuigan and Darren Hoare, both 37, in self-defence in August, 2009.

He admitted manslaughter with diminished responsibility but pleaded not guilty to murder.

Danny (pictured) is being held in Baghdad’s international Green Zone and could face the death penalty.

Step-mother Liz Fitzsimons thanked friends, family members and anonymous donors for helping them raise over £5,000 so far.

She said: “The fund-raising has gone fantastic. We’ve had so many people ringing us and making donations.

“We’ve got a fund-raising event at the White Hart tomorrow night with a meal and auction. We’ve not forced anyone to give us the money. People have done it out of respect for Eric and a wider understanding of the situation.” Eric Fitzsimons, who played for and coached Oldham Rugby League Club, and Liz, held a rugby match to raise £15,000 to get Eric to Iraq with Danny’s 27-year-old brother Michael — accompanied by security measures.

Mrs Fitzsimons added: “I don’t know if they will make it in time — we will have to wait and see. We’re all getting a bit fraught as the day approaches.”

The trial was adjourned last month for judges to consider Danny’s psychiatric report and the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

His family have always maintained that Danny suffers from the condition and that he acted in self-defence, claims which the families of the victims do not accept.