Sailor pleads guilty to murder on submarine HMS Astute

A Royal Navy serviceman, who shot dead a senior officer on board a nuclear submarine, has pleaded guilty to murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Able Seaman Ryan Samuel Donovan, admitted killing Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux, 36, of Wigan, Greater Manchester, on board the nuclear submarine HMS Astute.

A second crewman, Lt Cdr Christopher Hodge, was also shot while the sub was docked in Southampton on 8 April.

Donovan, 22, of Dartford, Kent, pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court.

Robert Hall reports.

  • UK