Iraq accused 'executed my fiancé'

THE fiancée of a former Royal Marine who was "executed" in Baghdad has urged an Iraqi court not to be swayed by claims his alleged killer was mentally ill.

Private security contractor Danny Fitzsimons, 30, could face the death penalty if the Briton is found guilty of killing colleagues Paul McGuigan, originally from Peebles in the Borders, and Australian Darren Hoare in August 2009.

The trial has been adjourned several times for psychiatric reports after it emerged Fitzsimons, a former member of the Parachute Regiment who served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder before he went to Iraq as a mercenary for a private company.

McGuigan's fiance Nicci Prestage, 36, believes there is little evidence to support Fitzsimons' claim, but fears it could result in a reduced sentence or an acquittal.

Speaking ahead of the verdict, Prestage said: "Paul had two gunshot wounds to his chest that were not at close range. These were not killer shots. As Paul fell to his knees a gun has been put in his mouth and shot, severing his spinal cord and killing him.

"Darren was shot to his temple at close range. He was still alive when he was found. I would describe this as execution."

Prestage also rejected defence claims that the killing was a drunken brawl that got out of hand. She added: "Danny Fitzsimons has a history of violent and aggressive behaviour."