Iraq

MOD's £100,000 pay out to Iraqi family over son's drowning

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The family of a teenager who drowned in Iraq after allegedly being forced into a river by British soldiers has been paid compensation by the Ministry of Defence.

Lawyers for relatives of Saeed Shabram, who was 18 when he died, say the family has accepted a £100,000 pay out at the High Court.

The family have always maintained Mr Shabram was forced into a river near Basra by British soldiers in 2003 along with his cousin, Menem Akaili. They had allegedly been led down a jetty at gunpoint in Shatt Al-Arab.

Family lawyer Keren Adams said: "Obviously no amount of money can ever hope to make up for the loss of a child or brother, but I hope this compensation will go some way towards helping Saeed Shabram's family to rebuild their lives."

In a statement the MOD said: "When compensation claims are received by the Ministry of Defence they are considered on the basis of whether or not there is a legal liability to pay compensation.

"In this case we came to an agreed settlement and our sympathies remain with Mr Shabram's family."