Porton Down death case reopened
Last updated at 11:15 05 May 2004
An inquest into the death of a young RAF man was reopened today almost 51 years to the day after he died during secret Government chemical weapons tests.
The investigation into exactly what happened to 20-year-old Leading Aircraftman Ronald Maddison in May 1953 will be seen as a test case for those who believe he and many others were duped into taking part in the highly dangerous trials.
Coroner for Swindon and Wiltshire David Masters said the re-examination of the death of LAC Maddison, who died after being exposed to nerve gas at Porton Down, the biological and chemical weapons research base on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, was a "unique occasion".
"No coroner or jury has been required before this day to investigate a death that took place so long ago as this one," he said.
It will be closely followed and could result in civil action against the Government by others claiming to be affected by the tests, lawyers have warned.
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