Submariner in court charged with murder of senior officer

A Royal Navy sailor appeared in court today accused of the murder of an officer and the attempted murders of three other crew on board a nuclear submarine.

Able Seaman Ryan Samuel Donovan, 22, of Dartford, Kent, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the hearing at Southampton magistrates' court.

Donovan has been charged with the murder of Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, who was shot on board HMS Astute while it was docked in Southampton on Friday.

He has also been charged with the attempted murders of Petty Officer Christopher Brown, 36, Chief Petty Officer David McCoy, 37, and Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hodge, 45.

Donovan, who was wearing a black T-shirt and was unshaven, was remanded in custody to appear at Winchester crown court on Wednesday, April 13.

Nick Hawkins, prosecuting, said that the case could have been handled internally by the armed forces but it had been agreed that it would be held in the civilian courts. Lt Cdr Molyneux's widow, Gillian, described the father of four from Wigan as "utterly devoted to his family".

The shootings took place as local dignitaries, including the city council's mayor, chief executive and leader, were being given a tour of the submarine while it was berthed at the Eastern Docks on a five-day official visit to the city. HMS Astute will leave Southampton this afternoon.