Soldier denies Iraqi murder
13 April 2012
The first member of the British armed forces to face a charge of murder over post-war operations in Iraq entered a plea of not guilty today.
Trooper Kevin Williams, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, is accused of killing Iraqi civilian Hassan Abbad Said, a lawyer and father of nine, near Basra on August 3 2003.
Trial judge Mrs Justice Hallett, sitting at the High Court in London, ordered that his Old Bailey trial should begin on Tuesday June 7, "if not before".
Williams, 22, from Burnley, Lancashire, is on bail.
When the charge was formally put to him today, Williams, dressed in a smart suit and regimental tie, answered: "Not guilty.
