A HIGHLY-skilled soldier who shot dead a North-East Army corporal in Northern Ireland is appealing against his prison sentence.

Corporal Anthony Green, of Stanley, County Durham, was an Army chef with the Royal Logistic Corps at Shackleton barracks, Ballykelly, when he was shot in the head on January 24, 2001.

Another soldier in the same regiment, Private William Green, was charged with unlawful killing and sentenced to two years imprisonment in January following a five-day trial at Belfast Crown Court.

The 24-year-old was a highly-trained member of a specialist platoon which carried out undercover observations in Northern Ireland at the time.

He has lodged an appeal against the length of sentence with the Court of Appeal and the judgement is expected to be given later this month.

The news has added extra stress to the family of 25-year-old Cpl Green, whose wife was expecting their first child before he died.

Last night, his mother, Liz Green, said: "At his appeal hearing, William Graham said he was full of remorse for Tony's death and how it had affected his family. But not one member of my family has had a letter saying he is sorry, neither from him, his family or his legal representatives."

Cpl Green had been stationed at Ballykelly for only two months when he was shot as he walked through the barracks.

At the trial, the court heard that Pte Graham had been preparing for the operation and had his weapon on his knees as he sat in a van. His rifle had been checked by a lance corporal to ensure the safety catch was applied, but some time later the rifle was discharged, hitting Cpl Green as he walked by.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary carried out an investigation and nine months later Pte Graham was charged with unlawful killing.

Mrs Green said: "I feel numb about the appeal, I don't know what will happen.