Body armour delay 'led to death'

Sgt Roberts was the first British soldier killed in action in Iraq

The death of a UK tank commander killed by "friendly fire" was due to an "unforgivable" delay in providing body armour to troops, a coroner has said.

Sgt Steve Roberts, 33, was shot outside the town of Az Zubayr in southern Iraq on 24 March 2003.

Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker recorded a narrative verdict, saying there had been "serious failings" in the supply chain.

The inquest heard Sgt Roberts had to give up armour because of shortages.