KEY POINTS:
The killing of Lance Corporal Matty Hull in an American air strike in Iraq was a "criminal, unlawful act" by pilots who opened fire "with disregard for the rules of engagement", a British coroner has ruled.
Oxfordshire Assistant Deputy Coroner Andrew Walker also scathingly criticised the US authorities over their lack of co-operation which had caused so much "pain and suffering" to Hull's family.
The failure to hand over documents had meant that "the full facts have not yet come to light".
Hull, 25, died when his convoy was attacked by two US A-10 "Tankbuster" warplanes, despite the British vehicles showing orange markings to signify allied forces.
The coroner said: "The attack on the convoy amounted to an assault. It was unlawful because there was no lawful reason for it, and in that respect, it was criminal.
"The pilot who opened fire did so with disregard to the rules of engagement and [acted] outside the protection of the law of armed conflict."
Walker said the actions of the American officials had been inexcusable towards Hull's family.
"They, despite request after request, have been, as this court has been, denied access to evidence that would provide the fullest explanation of the sequence of events that led to the tragic loss of Lance Corporal Hull's life.
"I hope that in future, this does not remain their position, and it is recognised that these decisions cause great harm to those who make them and are a profound disservice to those who lost their lives in the service of their country and to the families left behind who simply want to know the truth."
On the penultimate day of the inquest at Oxford Old Assizes, Hull's widow Susan had made a personal appeal to US President George W Bush for the release of material.
Yesterday, she said the lack of American co-operation had been "very disappointing".
"Of course, I am fearful it could happen again, but that's outside my hands. I think there have to be lessons learned from this.
"It's very clear that after such a death, evidence is required - full evidence right from the beginning, co-operation with boards of inquiry and investigations right from the beginning. If that doesn't happen in other circumstances, this will all have been in vain."
Following the verdict, the US Department of Defence issued a statement denying there had been a cover up and saying that Hull's death had been a "tragic accident".
- INDEPENDENT
