Rotherham solder blasted 20 metres by Afghan bomb, inquest told

THE BODY of a Rotherham soldier killed in Afghanistan was found almost 20 metres from his bomb-struck vehicle, a coroner’s inquest has heard.

Trooper James Leverett (20) from St Nicholas Road, Rawmarsh, was killed in July 2010 when his convoy of Viking armoured vehicles hit a huge improvised explosive.

The soldiers—members of the Royal Dragoon Guards—were within sight of comrades they had been sent to relieve when the 40kg bomb went off, stripping James of his body armour and hurling him from the driver’s seat.

He was quickly flown to the British base at Camp Bastion, but was declared dead shortly after arriving there.

Coroner Nicola Mundy delivered a verdict of unlawful killing in action.

Mum Sharon Leverett said: “It’s been a hard day, but we’ve got closure now and we’re satisfied with the verdict.”

HE WAS JUST ONE OF THE LADS . . . comrades pay tribute to hero James.

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