Soldier remanded on Iraq charge

Hassan Sayyed was a married lawyer with nine children

A 21-year-old British soldier charged with the murder of an Iraqi civilian has made his second court appearance.

Trooper Kevin Lee Williams, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, is accused of killing Hassan Sayyed in Ad-Dayr, in south-eastern Iraq, on 3 August 2003.

He was remanded on bail until October 25 when he appeared on Monday at the Old Bailey.

The attorney general brought the case after the soldier's commanding officer dismissed any charges against him.

Mr Sayyed, a licensed handgun owner, is alleged to have died from gunshot wounds to the chest suffered after an encounter with British soldiers investigating an altercation between two drivers.

The next hearing is expected to be a plea and directions hearing.

Kevin Williams' mother and fiancée were joined by other family and friends at Monday's hearing.

The soldier's commanding officer, Col John Patterson, flew from Canada to be in court.