The death of a Scots soldier who was shot in the head during a night-time training exercise has been ruled as accidental. An inquest at Northumberland Coroner's Court heard how Private Conor McPherson was shot through his helmet by another soldier and suffered the fatal injury in August 2016.
The 24-year-old was serving with A Company, 3 Scots - The Black Watch - when the tragic incident unfolded at Otterburn Training Area.
Senior Coroner Andrew Hetherington asked jurors to retire and consider a verdict after five days of evidence. They returned just before lunchtime on Monday and concluded that the death of Pvt McPherson was accidental.
Pvt McPherson's parents, Neil and Betty McPherson, had been in attendance throughout the hearing but chose not to attend on the final day.As he thanked the jury for their service, Mr Hetherington added: "You have undertaken a very serious duty which Conor's family are grateful.
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