LONDON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The widow of a British serviceman killed in Iraq has received an apology from the government because he lacked body armor.
An inquest into the death of tank commander Sgt. Steve Robert found he died because of an "inexcusable and unforgivable ... breach of trust" by the government, The Independent reported.
The coroner said the army was guilty of "serious failings" by taking his body armor just days before he was shot in March, 2003, The Independent said.
Then-Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon delayed the order for additional body armor in order to avoid drawing attention to military preparations for the war, The Independent said. By the time the armor arrived, Roberts was dead, accidentally shot by another soldier trying to protect him.
His widow, Samantha Roberts, received a formal apology from Defense Minister Adam Ingram. She is expected to meet soon with Ingram to discuss a new policy that has equipped all soldiers with enhanced body armor.
