Body of Scottish soldier brought home after death in Iraq

The body of a Scottish soldier who died in a traffic accident in Iraq has been returned to the UK.

Captain Dean Sprouting died following the incident at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on January 31.

The Ministry of Defence launched an investigation into his death but said it was not the result of enemy activity.

Captain Sprouting's body was repatriated to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Thursday.

Prime Minister Theresa May paid tribute to the soldier in parliament on Wednesday.

She said: “I know that the whole House will join me in paying tribute to Captain Dean Sprouting, who died in a road traffic accident in Iraq on 31 January. His death was not the result of enemy activity.

“I know that Members in all parts of the House will want to join me in offering condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Captain Sprouting of the Adjutant General's Corps at the air base in Iraq was serving with Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The father of two, of Denny, Stirlingshire, joined the army in 1989 and had served in places including Northern Yugoslavia, Cyprus and Kosovo, Sudan, Angola and Germany.

Speaking after his death Lt Col Rob Hedderwick, Commanding Officer, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “Dean was simply one of those people whose infectious humour and enthusiasm drew others to him.

“His professional knowledge was second to none and his sage advice already something I had come to rely on.

“His loss is keenly felt by us all and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children whom I know he cherished more than anything else in this world.

“I am hugely proud and thankful to have known him. He was a very good man."