Danny death trial opens

THE trial of a security contractor charged with killing two of his colleagues in Iraq last year has opened in Baghdad.

Danny Fitzsimons, from Middleton, whose parents are teachers in Hollinwood, is the first Westerner to go on trial in an Iraqi court since a 2009 US–Iraqi security agreement lifted immunity for foreign contractors.

If found guilty, he could face a possible death sentence in Iraq.

He was at yesterday’s hearing which adjourned the trial until January 23.

The 29-year-old has been charged with shooting and killing two contractors — a Briton and an Australian — during an argument inside Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone in June last year and then wounding an Iraqi while fleeing.

All three men were working for the British security firm ArmorGroup Iraq.

Danny, who was brought up in New Moston, is the son of former Oldham rugby league player and St Anne’s coach Eric Fitzsimons who now lives in Rochdale with Danny’s stepmum Liz.

They are both PE teachers at New Bridge School, Hollinwood.

The ex–soldier’s family says he is suffering from post–traumatic stress disorder as a result of his experiences serving with the Army in the former Yugoslavia and as a private security guard in Iraq.

They believe he should be brought home so he can serve any sentence, if convicted, in Britain.