Gunner Psaila's case: Soldier training has not changed for years

The same kind of soldier training being undertaken at present has been taking place for a number of years, the court heard this morning.

Testifying in the case of Lieutenant Christian Vella and Lance Bombardier Marvic Peregin, who are pleading not guilty to causing the death of 19-year-old Gunner Matthew Psaila, Lt Col Ian Ruggier said he had followed the same kind of training when he joined the army in 1989. He also led a group of soldiers through similar training in 1991.

Replying to questions by both the prosecution and the defence, Lt Col Ruggier said that, on the day in question, Lt Vella and Lance Bombardier Peregin were responsible for the training.

There were no rules black on white regarding the training.

Lt Col Ruggier said he assisted in training exercises which were far tougher than that of the day.

Asked if leaders could decide to stop training, he said they could suggest this to their superiors but the actual decision was out of their hands.