Three in court over soldier death

Hundreds of mourners attended Pte Gavin Williams' funeral

Three soldiers have appeared at Winchester Crown Court, Hampshire, charged with the manslaughter of a junior colleague from the Royal Welsh.

Pte Gavin Williams, 22, of Hengoed, Caerphilly, collapsed and died on a hot day at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire on 3 July, 2006.

Sgt Russell Price, Sgt Paul Blake and Cpl John Edwards were in court.

They were granted unconditional bail and Judge Michael Brodrick adjourned the case to a date to be fixed in 2008.

No pleas were entered during the 25-minute hearing.

Sgt Blake, 37, is based at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Cpl Edwards, 32, is based at the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Regiment at Lucknow Barracks, and Sgt Price, 45, is of 2 Rifles based at Weeton Barracks in Blackpool.

All three spoke only to confirm their names.