THE first member of the British armed forces to face a murder charge over post-war operations in Iraq was remanded on bail until October 25 when he made a brief first appearance at the Old Bailey yesterday.

Trooper Kevin Williams is accused of killing Iraqi civilian Hassan Abbad Said, a lawyer and father-of-nine, near Basra, on August 3 last year.

Tpr Williams, from the 2nd Royal Tank regiment, said nothing apart from acknow-ledging his name during the hearing.

The soldier, who has been moved to Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, is alleged to have been part of a patrol that had stopped a truck suspected of carrying weapons in the town of Ad Dayr.

The next hearing is expected to be a plea and directions hearing.

Tpr Williams's mother and fiancee were joined by other family and friends at yesterday's hearing.

The soldier's commanding officer (CO), Colonel John Patterson, flew from Canada to be in court.

Outside court, a former CO, General Sir Antony Walker, said the regiment was providing support for Tpr Williams and his family.

He said: "We feel very strongly about the case."