IRAQ: A senior British army officer has been cleared of mistreating prisoners of war in Iraq.
No criminal proceedings will be brought against Col Tim Collins, the former commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Col Collins, who has always strenuously denied the claims, shot to fame on the eve of fighting in Iraq when he gave a rousing speech to his Royal Irish Regiment troops.
The speech earned him lavish praise from the Prince of Wales and was admired by President Bush, who is said to have ordered a copy for the wall of his White House office.
Confirming that he had been cleared, a spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the investigation into allegations against Col Collins has now concluded and that no criminal proceedings will be taken against him." A statement issued by Col Collins's solicitor, Mr Lewis Cherry, said the officer would put the inquiry behind him and get on with his life as a professional soldier.
Mr Cherry said: "His pre-war speech said: 'You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest, for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our uniform nor our nation.'
"His actions in battle have been examined by a detailed investigation. This must be the first time in history a battlefield commander has faced such immediate public scrutiny. Iraq was, and remains, a dangerous place for the British army.
"Col Collins brought his battle group home safely from the war. This investigation is at an end, he can put it behind him. He is a professional soldier and will now get on with his career. This is a matter between him and the army."
The investigation, ordered by the Ministry of Defence, was carried out by the special investigations branch of the Royal Military Police.
It centred on claims made by a US military officer, Maj Re Biastre of 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Buffalo, New York, who alleged abuse of captured Iraqis.
Maj Biastre was involved in a clash with Col Collins after he handed out sweets to Iraqi children in defiance of orders, it was said. Col Collins feared that Maj Biastre's actions would cause chaos and endanger the children. Reports also said that there was an anti-American atmosphere among senior British servicemen.
Col Collins, who was lieutenant-colonel with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment, has since been promoted.