G4S had recruitment 'failings'

ArmorGroup, the security firm which hired Danny Fitzsimons who shot dead two colleagues, had "systemic failings" in its recruitment process, its former boss has told the inquest into Paul McGuigan's death.

Fitzsimons, of Rochdale, is serving a 20-year sentence for murdering Paul McGuigan and Darren Hoare within 36 hours of arriving in Iraq in 2009.

All three were employed by G4S-owned ArmorGroup.

David Taylor-Smith, former chief executive of G4S UK, said the screening process for employees was "inadequate".

He said the incident had highlighted inadequate screening of employees and there had been a "systemic failing" in the company's risk management screening process since 2006.

An audit ordered following the killings looked at 527 British employed by the company abroad and found 304 of them failed the screening process.

G4S could not provide criminal records bureau checks for 234, the inquest was told.

Mr Taylor-Smith has since resigned from the company.

The inquest continues.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87383/convicted-murderer-danny-fitzsimons-was-not-vetted-properly-investigation-reveals