Family reunion for former paratrooper on murder trial

Eric, Danny and Michael

The father and brother of a former solider from Middleton awaiting the verdict of a murder trial were re-united with him yesterday (Sunday 20 February 2011).

The verdict in the case of Danny Fitzsimons has been adjourned for another week.

Fitzsimons, a security contractor 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.

Fitzsimons could face the death penalty if convicted.

The trial was adjourned last month for judges to consider his psychiatric report and the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Judges were due to deliver a verdict and a possible sentence yesterday but the matter was adjourned until next Monday for the courts to consider a report on the effects of PTSD.

Danny’s father Eric Fitzsimons and 27-year-old brother Michael flew out to Baghdad on Friday.

Stepmother Liz Fitzsimons said: “I was texted by Danny’s lawyer John Tipple at 8.40am yesterday with the news.

“Initially, I was disappointed and thought ‘not another wait’, but the fact they are considering the report is really good and they are taking his PTSD seriously.

“We are due to meet the Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt on the day of the verdict so that is good timing.”

The Fitzsimons family had been raising funds to get Eric and Michael to Iraq with suitable security, at a cost of £15,000.

G4S, formerly ArmourGroup, contributed an amount to the costs. Mrs Fitzsimons thanked family, friends and anonymous donors for helping to fly Eric and Michael to Iraq.

She added: “We haven’t seen Danny since Christmas, 2008, so when Eric saw him in Baghdad, he gave him the biggest hug.

“Danny texted me and said it was unbelievable to have his family with him.”

Mrs Fitzsimons said comments made by Mr McGuigan’s mother that “Bring Our Hero Home” posters had been put up around Middleton, where Danny lived, were totally untrue.

She said: “We haven’t done that and no-one has done that on our behalf.

“There are no heroes in this situation.”

Mr McGuigan’s fiancee Nicci Prestage said she and his family are under “intolerable” stress as they await a trial verdict.