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Court date for seaman charged with shooting four people on submarine

HMS Astute
HMS Astute

A Royal Navy sailor been given a life sentence for murdering an officer onboard the nuclear submarine HMS Astute.

Able Seaman Ryan Donovan admitted shooting Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, while the sub was docked in Southampton in April.

Donovan, 23, of Hillside Road, Dartford, admitted shooting Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, with an SA80 rifle while the sub was docked in Southampton on April 8 this year.

He also admitted the attempted murders of Petty Officer Christopher Brown, 36, Chief Petty Officer David McCoy, 37, and Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hodge, 45, during a goodwill visit to the city.

The shootings took place as local dignitaries, including the city council's mayor, chief executive and leader Royston Smith, were being given a tour of the submarine while it was berthed at the Eastern Docks on a five-day official visit to the Hampshire city.

Mr Smith wrestled Donovan to the ground soon after he started firing at around noon.

Audio: Gillian Molyneux, wife of murdered Lt Commander Ian Molyneux

Donovan will have to serve a minimum term of 25 years.

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