A CORONER is to consider reopening the inquest of a North-East serviceman who died in secret military experiments 47 years ago.

Wiltshire Police have prepared a file into the death of County Durham airman Ronald Maddison, who died aged 20 at the Ministry of Defence Porton Down base where he was administered a fatal dose of a nerve agent.

Wiltshire detectives have been examining claims from servicemen that they were tricked into taking part in experiments at the Army chemical warfare laboratory.

An inquest was held when Mr Maddison, from Consett, died in 1953 but was kept secret for reasons of national security. Documents from Porton Down allegedly show that Mr Maddison died because scientists wanted to find out how much nerve agent it took to penetrate a military uniform before it could kill.

It is claimed that 200mg of Sarin was dripped onto a patch of uniform taped to his arm.

Alan Care, the Maddison family solicitor, who also represents more than 100 other servicemen who volunteered for tests, said: "The only reason I can to see to reopen this inquest is for the coroner and jury to consider an unlawful killing verdict. I cannot envisage anything more serious for the Ministry of Defence, who ran Porton Down for many years.

"The coroner will no doubt consider if there has been a conspiracy by Government to hide the truth, given that the 1953 inquest was held in secret and kept secret for many years."

Mr Maddison's sister, Lillian Craik, 66, welcomed the news.

She said: "The main thing that we want is for the reasons of his death to finally come to light.

"This inquiry looks like going on for a long time, but it has taken more than 47 years to get anywhere at all."

Wiltshire coroner David Masters said he expected to receive a report by the end of January for him to consider.

Families of other Porton Down volunteers who claim loved ones died as a result of experiments have threatened to sue the Ministry of Defence after the police inquiry is completed.