A CORONER has refused to allow the release of witness statements relating to the deaths of three reserve soldiers after an SAS selection march on the Brecon Beacons.

An inquest heard that publication of the statements could threaten future criminal prosecutions over the deaths.

Media organisations - including Newsquest, parent company of the Hereford Times - argued that, in the interest of open justice, statements taken by detectives investigating the deaths and provided to the inquest should be released to allow proper reporting of proceedings.

But coroner Louise Hunt, said that there would be a “clear and compelling risk” to any future criminal action by the police or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if the statements were published.

She said the evidence she was relying on had been either given orally by witnesses or read out fully in open court.

L/Cpls Craig Roberts and Edward Maher and Cpl James Dunsby died after suffering hyperthermia as temperatures reached 27C (80.6F) during the full kit selection march July 2013. At least seven more reservists suffered heat injuries during the exercise.

The inquest in Solihull, West Midlands, has heard claims that the march was not called off for the heat because it would have generated too much paperwork.

In evidence, soldiers have given vivid accounts of running out of water, collapsing and having to be helped by civilians.

On Wednesday, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, for the media,  argued that the “default position” was for  access to statements relied on in court should  to be permitted “in the interest of open justice”.

She told the coroner the inquest “undoubtedly” raised issues of public interest but the media were being “severely hampered” by the “absence of basic disclosure”.

The default position referred to relates to a 2013 court of appeal ruling on an argument made over an extradition case at the City of London magistrates court where documents relied on in court were not available to reporters.

Lawyers for Dyfed-Powys police and the HSE argued that possible criminal proceedings following the inquest could be compromised if the statements were released.

 Coroner Hunt agreed, saying she had to balance the “open justice principle” with the risk of harm.

The inquest continues.