Sailor on Murder Charge

A Royal Navy sailor from Dartford has appeared in court, charged with murdering a senior officer and trying to kill three other crew members on a nuclear submarine.

Able Seaman Ryan Donovan is accused of opening fire on board HMS Astute while it was docked in Southampton on Friday.

The 22 year old spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during a hearing at Southampton Maginstrates court.

He's been remanded in custody until his next appearance on April 13.

The shootings took place as local dignitaries, including Southampton council's mayor, chief executive and leader were being given a tour of the submarine.

Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, who was 36 years old and married with four children, was fatally shot.

His widow, Gillian has paid an emotional tribute to him, describing him as "utterly devoted to his family".

She added: "Everything he did was for us. He was very proud to be an officer in the Royal Navy Submarine Service."

HMS Astute, which had been on a five day visit, has been cleared to leave Southampton to return to its base at Faslane in Scotland.