War link to soldier's death from cancer

A West Midland Gulf war veteran died of cancer because of his exposure to depleted uranium during his time on the frontline in Iraq, an inquest heard.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain will write to the Secretary of State for Defence over soldiers being so close to radioactive material.

Lance Corporal Stuart Dyson was exposed to uranium in British bombs dropped in 1991.

The 39-year-old father-of-two, of Cherwell Drive, Brownhills, suffered problems since leaving the Army, including struggling to sleep and night sweats.

The former keep-fit fanatic was diagnosed with colon cancer which spread to his liver and spleen and he died last June.

Professor Christopher Busby, an expert in the effects of uranium, told the inquest it was likely his cancer was due to exposure to the radioactive material.

The jury later recorded a narrative verdict that it was more likely than not Mr Dyson's death was caused by or contributed to by his exposure to depleted uranium during his service in the first Gulf War.

Disappointing

Mr Balmain told the jury the Ministry of Defence had been contacted about the hearing but failed to send a representative.

"It is in my view some what disappointing that the MoD chose not to come here and assist you with any expert evidence," he said.

He said he would write to the Secretary of State for Defence. "I am certain action does need to be taken to reduce the risk of other deaths."

Afterwards Mr Dyson's widow, Elaine, 41, who was joined by Mr Dyson's father Colin at the inquest, said: "I am very happy because it is what Stuart wanted and what he believed in all along.

"I have just carried on what he believed was true.

"Going to the Gulf War caused his cancer and that is what he wanted to prove.

"It has put a closure on his death."

Mr Dyson, who became a lance corporal, served in the army between 1985 and 1992,

He also saw action in the Falklands.

Before his death he always maintained that his cancer was due to exposure to depleted uranium.

By Craig Hughes