Gunner Psaila's death: Procedures ahead of ill-fated exercise explained

One of the two soldiers charged with the manslaughter of Gunner Matthew Psaila during an AFM training exercise in Chadwick Lakes four years ago today described the precautions taken ahead of the exercise. The evidence was given by Lance Corporal Marvic Peregin, 32, who together with Lt. Christian Vella, has been taken to court in connection with the case. He said that two weeks before the incident, he had a meeting with instructors about the training exercise. "We discussed everything from equipment to safety gear and vehicles." He had also taken part in a reconnaissance of the site in Chadwick Lakes and checked the level of the water and other obstacles. A stick was used to measure the depth of the water since no other instruments were available. The temperature was also checked. "We put our feet in the water to check the temperature. We noted that the water was deep and informed all the instructors and participants." The day before the exercise all the participants were told once again what they were going to do. On the day in question they were given a safety brief. Mr Peregin said that Lt Vella asked the participants if they had any problems regarding swimming. Nobody...