MOD accepts its failings caused death of Staff Sergeant John McKelvie
Following the death of Staff Sergeant John McKelvie, killed in 2019 while driving a JACKAL 2 during a military training exercise, the Ministry of Defence has issued its response to the Health and Safety Executive's Crown Censure regarding the fatality. Crown Censure is the maximum sanction a government body can receive.
This follows the jury at the inquest into Staff Sergeant McKelvie's death delivering a narrative conclusion, listing lack of supervision by the chain of command, lack of neck support and the vehicle’s unsuitability for the training ground as contributing to his death.
Natalie Amara represented Staff Sergeant McKelvie's family at inquest as part of Fieldfisher's pro bono initiative and instructed Rory Turnbull of 3 Hare Court. They successfully argued for an Article 2 Inquest in front of a jury, which took place in June 2024 at Thirsk Racecourse.
In his statement last week, General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, as Army Safety Owner and on behalf of the British Army, accepted the Health and Safety Executive Crown Censure and apologised unreservedly for failing the Staff Sergeant and causing his death.
“I apologise unreservedly for failing to maintain the safety standards rightly expected of the British Army. Staff Sergeant John McKelvie died because we didn’t do enough to protect him from the risk of death. The condolences I offer to John’s family and friends are heartfelt for a soldier lost that didn’t need to be lost in this way.
“We failed John and I am so sorry. We are committed to learning and adapting, so this never happens to another family, another regiment, or another group of friends. I realise that I must also restore the confidence of others in the safety and supervision of high-risk training.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the Health and Safety Executive for the thoroughness of the investigation. This scrutiny and the identification of our failings in this process and in the Service Inquiry and Inquest ensures real change.
“The men and women who bravely commit to defending our country deserve the highest safety standards during their training and we will continue to strive to ensure that the lessons learned from John’s death help to make others safer now and in the future.”
The BBC reported the MOD's admission.
Natalie said that the MOD's admission will mean a huge amount to Staff Saregeant McKelvie's family who have campaigned tirelessly for justice on his behalf.
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