A FORMER Colchester-based soldier has claimed he was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder when he killed two men in Iraq.

Daniel Fitzsimons, 30, could face the death penalty if convicted of the murder of two men and attempted murder of another in Baghdad in 2009.

He has admitted shooting them but claimed it was self defence, claiming mansalughter due to diminished responsibility, rather than murder.

The verdict had been expected on Sunday, February 20, but has been delayed until February 28, while the court considers the PTSD claim.

See tomorrow’s Gazette for the full story.