Two men have been charged with negligence after the deaths of three soldiers during an SAS exercise in the Brecon Beacons.

The men, identified only as 1A and 1B, were charged with "negligent performance of duty" by the Service Prosecuting Authority in the last couple of days, Sky News understands.

They will be tried in a military court.

It is understood that one of the men who has been charged is still serving in the forces.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: "Any decision to prosecute any personnel, veteran or serving, is made by the Service Prosecuting Authority, an independent body."


Image: (L-R): L/Cpl Craig Roberts, L/Cpl Edward Maher, Cpl James Dunsby

Lance Corporal Edward Maher and Lance Corporal Craig Roberts were pronounced dead on the Brecon Beacons after suffering heatstroke in July 2013.

Corporal James Dunsby died at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital from multiple organ failure more than two weeks later.

At the inquest into their deaths in 2015, coroner Louise Hunt said parts of the planning and conduct of the 16-mile SAS test march on 13 July, 2013, were inadequate or not fit for purpose.

She said inadequate supplies of water also contributed to one of the deaths.

All three men died as a result of a "failure to properly organise and manage" the march, she added.

The two men could face up to two years in prison and dismissal if convicted.